Trailing Arm Shim Questions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 233
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From: Fishers IN
Trailing Arm Shim Questions
I just got new trailing arms for my '69. When I removed the old ones, I dutifully kept the shims in 4 groups, marked for re-install in their correct positions. But I have a few questions...
1) These shims look like they were dredged up from the Titanic. Won't they be thicker or thinner based on rust, or lack of steel after rust has eaten them? Should I buy new ones? If so, do I just match them up so they match the old thickness?
2) What is the purpose of these shims? Do they...
a) Ensure proper distance between the trailing arms to keep the rear geometry correct, or...
b) Ensure the rear end tracks with the front end in alignment?
3) If the old shims were set up for my old t/a's won't the setup be different for the new t/a's ?
I'm sorry for the theory questions. Besides keeping the head of the t/a from moving side to side on the t/a bolt, I just don't understandand the theory behind these things.
Thanks to anyone patient enough to educate my dumb a$$ on this subject!
Dave
1) These shims look like they were dredged up from the Titanic. Won't they be thicker or thinner based on rust, or lack of steel after rust has eaten them? Should I buy new ones? If so, do I just match them up so they match the old thickness?
2) What is the purpose of these shims? Do they...
a) Ensure proper distance between the trailing arms to keep the rear geometry correct, or...
b) Ensure the rear end tracks with the front end in alignment?
3) If the old shims were set up for my old t/a's won't the setup be different for the new t/a's ?
I'm sorry for the theory questions. Besides keeping the head of the t/a from moving side to side on the t/a bolt, I just don't understandand the theory behind these things.
Thanks to anyone patient enough to educate my dumb a$$ on this subject!
Dave
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
They are for aligning the toe in for the T/A's. Get new SS shims, install the approx same thickness on each side that you removed, and drive straight down to alignment shop. The guy will appreciate working with new shims.
Do find a shop that knows these cars. Most teenage morons at the tire stores haven't a clue.
Do find a shop that knows these cars. Most teenage morons at the tire stores haven't a clue.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: Philmont NY
http://www.fastcorvette.com/AlignmentSchool.htm
There is a sight that I saved from another thread for when I get ready to do mine. It goes through the entire rear alignment nprocess.
Doesn't look that difficult....hope it helps.
There is a sight that I saved from another thread for when I get ready to do mine. It goes through the entire rear alignment nprocess.
Doesn't look that difficult....hope it helps.
