Castor shims...where and what's best size?

[greenbeast]

Doing this on my iPhone since just got call from alignment shop. Apparently I've got neg 1/2 degree off on front since putting new medium springs on from KURT. I would call him at cruiser outfitters but they're closed for few weeks.

What's the second best place and how much would I need to get cruiser back in shape per original specs?

Thanks

 

[MikeTheGreat84]

Cruiser outfitters is still open. Just ordered my lift from them earlier this week. They're running a ghost crew and Kurt is still checking his emails.

 

[Spike Strip]

You really shouldn't need to add any castor shims, unless you've got some kind of damage to the axle housing... Particularly w/ medium springs. Just set the toe-in. I'd wait and talk to Kurt before doing anything.

You getting death wobble ?

If you're set on doing it, SOR has the shims. They will over-night, for a price.

1* pos caster is stock.

 

[Mark W]

Every heavy OME leaf spring set (and so far as I can recall right now the mediums too) I have installed needed caster shims.


Stock caster is positive 1-3 or 2 degrees.


Mark...

 

[Spike Strip]

Well, FWIW, I have the extra-heavies (CS005's) on mine and no shims and with new steering components and proper toe-in it's perfect. No wobble or drift, even at 70 mph, though I rarely get it that fast with 33s and 4:11s.

The front axle housings (pinion angle) are different depending on if you have the double-cardan front drive shaft or later single style. I have the later. Don't know if that makes a difference or not.

 

[REDBACK62]

As said above, unless you are having steering issues you should not need them. I ran a 2 inch lift for years without them. I just upgraded to 3 inch lift and had to go with 2 degree wedges to make it steer better. Handles exceptionally well now.

 

[greenbeast]

I have steering issues!

My cruiser is pulling hard to the left and right and needs to be corrected. Left side is negative 0.5, right is negative 0.7. It drove much better prior to my medium springs.

 

[TobyB]

Yeah, negative caster (top pivot in front of bottom pivot) will make it do that.

If it was me, I'd try 2 degree shims- or 3 degree, if you like a positive steering return,
and don't mind a slightly heavier steering feel.
The AMOUNT of positive caster can be a preference, but you need to have some,
or it's dangerous.

imho, of course...

t

 

[62LostInMn]

I had steering wander with the OME 2" lift and and was close to 1 degree negative. I put in 4 degree steel shims from http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/.
Worked great and the wander is gone. I've heard/read folks here recommend steel, especially over cast aluminum. They should be tougher and not crack. I put some in the rear too (3 degrees) and it took care of some driveline rumble I had.

Good Luck.

 

[greenbeast]

Thanks, I'm thinking of putting 2 degree steel ones in front. I've heard same from local 4x4 guru. He said go with steel! Makes sense to me.

 

[REDBACK62]

Yes I would recommend steel shims. Aluminum on steel is not a good idea and steel shims are much better for this application.

 

[TallCanDan]

I believe Georg from Valley Hybrids offers caster shims. Legit ones. In the Vendor Section.
Hope this helps...

 

[greenbeast]

Done business in past with George, comforting to know you will get the right part.