Brutal64

Just a quick question about the installation of the trailing arm shims. The new shims I recieved have a hole on one end and a slot on the other. Which end is used. The ones I took out only had the hole.

Thanks

MasterDave

The hole is used for the bolt. They are a royal PIA to do. I've heard that some cut a notch on the bottom just the size of the bolt shank so you can push them in and then down and then rearward to engage. I believe later models used the slot so you could probably do that also. I believe GM thought the shims would work their way out in the earlier years. :cheers:

Veet 66

Master Dave is correct. I had my car done but I also had the open slot on one side and the round end on the other.The shop that installed them used the open end side because it was easier adding and subtracting the shims to get the correct adjustment. That was 2 years ago and they still have not moved or fallen out. :thumbs:

gary6696

Did you get a big long cotter pin with your set? If so, it is the later version (C3-something). The slot goes over the bolt and the cotter pin through the hole. You will need to drill the sides of the kickups for it. I can post a pic if necessary.
I would think somebody would go absolutely nuts trying to install shims with only holes.

Brutal64

Nope, no cotter pins, just holes and slots.

Kid_Again

correct...you do not use either the slot or the hole unless you are NCRS - use a cutoff tool to cut a 45* slot in the hole end, wide enough to slip the bolt through, drop them in through the top, and you'll save yourself a LOT of work

Denney

My stainless steel replacement shims were inserted using the slotted end over the bolt and dropped (tapped) down behind the opening lip. Never had a problem with them backing out. :thumbs:

Viet Nam Vett

:withstupid:

Mine are done the same way...

Paul L

You can see the cotter pin in this pic.



Newer SS shims.






[Modified by paul67, 9:46 AM 3/11/2004]

kyosho

I installed mine with the slot over the bolt. They then 'fall' down into the trailing arm pocket.

66427-450

yes, that's what most guys do..... no sense drilling holes that aren't necessary