Control arm shims
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 8
From: COOKEVILLE TN
Control arm shims
What is the average number of shims needed to get the right camber on a '73? Or is this a stupid question? And why would there be a ton of shims on it now and still need more? What is the maximum number of shims and still be safe?
73 in 10ec
73 in 10ec
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,197
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Terry,
I'm thinking the same as Mike. To me, a lot of shims would indicate a frame that's been hit, a bent A-arm, or perhaps a front end that's not assembled correctly.
Regards,
Alan
I'm thinking the same as Mike. To me, a lot of shims would indicate a frame that's been hit, a bent A-arm, or perhaps a front end that's not assembled correctly.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 8
From: COOKEVILLE TN
It's got maybe 5 or 6 on all 4 bolts, I rebuilt the front end and it had a bent crossshaft and I replaced it. One of the bolts is not long enough to add another thick shim ! Is there anyway to adjust the Lower Control Arm ?
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 9
From: Auburn, WA
look for signs of repair on the inner fenders. This is a sure sign the the frame is tweeked most likely from a prior accident
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 505
Likes: 8
From: Houston Tx.
On my 76, the crossmember under the engine was hit. It rolled towards the back of the car, requiring a "ton" of shims on the front bolt and none on the back bolt. I had to have a frame specialist pull the crossmember forward to get it aligned. The lower control arms mount on the crossmember, so they moved with it.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 3
Control arm shims
You might want to install a spreader bar like the one VBP sells. You would be suprised how much the front crossmember flexes. Put a jack under the front crossmember and lift the front wheels off the ground. Then install the spreader bar and lower the car and I will bet you could take half of the shims out to maintain the correct camber. When the crossmember flexes from age or whatever, the more shims you need. You can also purchase offset upper a-arm brackets and install the offset pointing out to lower the count of shims for correct camber.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: New york New york
My 77' has 2&2 on each contrl arm. they vary in thickness, have a shop check the front rail's they could be bent or not plumb [what I mean is they could have flexed due to a hit or a bad allignment that just got worse]
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 24,160
Likes: 78
A lot of shims would imply the lower a-arms were pulled inwards.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 649
Likes: 8
From: COOKEVILLE TN
I've got about 1 degree on both sides. Shims - left front ( 4 thick & 1 thin ) left rear ( 4 thick, 1 thin & 1 thick ) right front ( 4 thick ) right rear ( 1 thick, 1 thin & 2 thick ).
