Shims

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ccasteel

ccasteel

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Aug 24, 2009
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I have some 2 degree shims to install. I don't know what the pins look like, but I've been told to just get a grade 8 bolt and round it off. What did they mean by that?

Also, anybody feel like some free beer in exchange for teaching me how to do this install. I'm sure it will go much faster with someone that knows how to do it helping.
 
The head of the hex head bolt won't clear the u-bolt plate. I'd say that's bad advice as spring bolts are readily available and are fine thread. Just go to your local parts store and buy 4. 2 to use and 2 for spares. You'll have to trim them to the proper length. Easy project. Just take time to make sure everything is lined up and properly torqued.
 
I just buy spring pins at the CarQuest.:meh:
 
Do you need the shims? Is there a need or is this an internet said to buy it so I did thing?

Is this a new lift kit that's installed?
Old Ubolts? New ubolts?
Extended shackles?
Worn bushings?
Worn tierods?
Old Knuckle bearings?
IS there a symptom your trying to fix like death wobble ?
Are they steel shims or alum?
Was your caster off?
Is there an dampner on the system?
Slop in the steering?
Loose ubolts or knucke bolts right now causing a situation?
Bad alignment?
out of round tires?
 
tornadoalleycruiser said:
Do you need the shims? Is there a need or is this an internet said to buy it so I did thing?

Is this a new lift kit that's installed? Nope
Old Ubolts? New ubolts? Old
Extended shackles? Not on front (1.5" in back)
Worn bushings? Replaced w/in last 1000 miles
Worn tierods? Replaced w/in last 1000 miles
Old Knuckle bearings? Possibly
IS there a symptom your trying to fix like death wobble ? Excessive wander
Are they steel shims or alum? Steel from Georg @ Valley Hybrids
Was your caster off? Yes, slightly negative but very close to 0
Is there an dampner on the system? Stock stabilizer?
Slop in the steering? Seems normal
Loose ubolts or knucke bolts right now causing a situation? Haven't checked (yet)
Bad alignment? Had it aligned recently to determine caster
out of round tires? It's certainly possible they're worn unevenly side to side [/QUOTE]

The suspension is pretty much bone stock with 35 years and 65,000 miles of use. Brought a few of the issues up to snuff, and it handles much better. But there's still room for improvement.
Click to expand...
 
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Out in olate off old highway 10? and I-35 (one exit past santa fe when you are headed south) is a spring shop that will have those pins and show you how to do it. Forget the name of the shop; however, they should set you up.
 
Bushings would be a recommendation
 
I replaced my bushings with the neoprene ones instead of rubber. And I checked my printout fromt the alignment. Left side is -.3 degrees and the right was .1 degrees. I thought stock caster was between 1 and 3 degrees so I went with the 2 degree shims. That should put me at 1.7 and 2.1. That won't be too much will it?

Kelly - I'm not too far from that spring shop so I'll stop by this week. Thanks.
 
I would check the knuckle bearings as the two side should be the same (solid axle) but .4deg isnt that much. When I did my cut and turn I set mine around 4 to compensate for lager tires
 
Hijack...
Met with ccasteel today. Great deal and great guy.

When I did 35's and my spring over I left me caster at factory, approximately zero on mine. New bushing, tie rod ends, and tight steering box and it drives like a lumber wagon, just like I expected.
 
Kelly - General Spring. You can't see them from the road, but they're right before the LaFarge plant. I caught them at the end of the day on Friday and they were still very nice to deal with. Just didn't have what I needed on hand.

Gary - Thanks for the kind words. It was good meeting you. I trust your return trip went well.
 
Here we go again

Yes, I know its been 5 months. I haven't had much time to take the 40 out of commission for any length of time. The nice weather will let me break out the scooter.

I've tried several parts stores. Nobody had any on hand. And to top it off didn't know what size I need. I want all my parts on hand before I take it apart to minimize downtime. I found the below sight in my search. Who knows what size I need to compensate for adding a 2 deg shim?


Leaf Spring Center Bolt Head Lengtheners, Suspension Products - www.autoandtrucksprings.com
 
I recommend steel shims.
 
Ask for Bob when you go.. Tell him he can't shoot worth a hoot..
K.C. Spring Works, Inc
1631 Cherry
Kansas City, MO 64108
877-421-3010
 
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