Degree shim or no degree shim?

[hodag]

Two weeks ago, I changed out shackles and poly bushings. In the process discovered a busted spring on the front driver side.

Thanks to Yetiman, I have a new(used) set of springs here and ready to put on this weekend.

My question -- with my 1" over shackles, should I do degree shims while I have everything apart? The only shims I can find locally are 4 degrees and 2.5" wide, will these fit my needs?

As it sits now, I know I need to adjust my relay rod to center the steering wheel. I will driveway align it after the new springs are on. I would like everything to be pretty straight, as I intend to put on new 33's when this is all said and done.

Thanks for any help. Hodag

 

[Tapage]

1" more longer shackle means .5" more lift for you Cruiser .. I don't think that you need caster correction.

 

[VETTE60]

the 2.5 degree shims should be fine for 1" over shackles.

 

[hodag]

I should clarify, the shackles are 2" longer from pin to pin, so 1" of total lift. Do you still think I should shim it with 2.5 degree shims?

Thanks, Hodag

 

[dgangle]

I have heard that for every one inch of lift (from a 2" longer overall extended shackle) that 1.0-1.5 degrees is what is needed to correct the caster. Take that for what it's worth.

Why don't you just buy a $15 angle finder at Home Dept and measure it yourself? Lay it across the top of the top trunion bearing race. Or go pay $50 and have an alinement shop tell you what your caster is? Stock it's only like +1 degree and most people have had great results with 3-6 degrees so any type of shim or extended shackle is going to change that.

I guess what I am trying to say is (in this order) measure it yourself, pay someone to measure it or guess. Doing nothing is another option but doesn't address the solution.

 

[lovetoski]

I think Roger Brown makes shims in whatever thickness you need.

 

[NocalFJ60]

I ordered mine from Roger Brown. If you take your cruiser in to get the alignment checked I would see what your caster angle is and then order what you need to get you in spec. The spec. should be on the sheet when they give you a copy.

 

[Tapage]

I should clarify, the shackles are 2" longer from pin to pin, so 1" of total lift. Do you still think I should shim it with 2.5 degree shims?

Thanks, Hodag

No I don't think so ..

anycase you alwys can go to alin shop to measure your caster and know that ..

.84 - 2.34 º Positive Caster are your ideal measeurement for caster.

 

[dgangle]

.84 - 2.34 º Positive Caster are your ideal measurement for caster.

Where did this info come from? I have always heard 3-5 degrees for a street-driven vehicle, more for something you drag race.

 

[NocalFJ60]

Where did this info come from? I have always heard 3-5 degrees for a street-driven vehicle, more for something you drag race.

That is about what it says is the spec. on the sheet if you take it in for an alignment. This is what Toyota recommends.

Anyone got a factory manual where it states the spec.?

 

[dgangle]

My FSM page 13-22 table "FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT" states caster is +1 degree. It does not give a range but I understand now. The range you state is what the alignment place 'says' is acceptable, not necesarily 'ideal'. I realize that everyone's ideal will be different based on their experience, knowlege and intended use. Not being picky, just defining

 

[Tapage]

Where did this info come from? I have always heard 3-5 degrees for a street-driven vehicle, more for something you drag race.

If you go to any alingment shop and search in the compuerter ( in my case Bear System ) you Cruiser model and recomended caster range, you would be see this range.