Trailing arm shims
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne FL
Trailing arm shims
I am almost done with my rear suspension rebuild, and am starting to think ahead. When it comes time to go and get it aligned, what should be my method of getting it to the shop? I cant drive it without any shims in right?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
usually the orig ones are put back in the orig location.
this is good enough for driving to shop
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Im redoing mine also. Guess im going to the alignment shop with the shims i had, labeled mine on disasembly
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
I put the same thickness shims back in that came out for the trailing arm rebuild. That at least gets you close for a starting point. Also use stainless steel slotted shims for easier removal and installation.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne FL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,420
Likes: 1,555
From: mount holly NC
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Shims!
My shims came out in pieces. After the TA rebuild I just put an equal amount on both sides of the bolt. My Vette drove the 20 miles to the shop with no problems and they moved the new shims around as needed. PG.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,132
Likes: 14
From: A town SC
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 2
From: Covington Georgia
I had to cut my trailing arms out. I also replaced the trailing arms with aftermarket and they were not the same width as the factory. So we just took the measurments of the old shims and put the others in at the same percentage each set was, although they were very close to equal on both sides of the trailing arms and put in the new ones. I have not gotten it in for a final alignment yet. Still need to install my fan shroud before I go across town in the car
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
No need to get it closer than that for a short drive to the alignment shop.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 260
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton Illinois
I have been researching how to align the rear to get it ready to drive to an alignment shop. There are alot of links on this forum for "Do it yourself" instructions. It doesn't sound all that hard. I figure it has to be easier than what we have just done, replacing trailing arms.
I'm going to give it a try. I will report back after I give it a shot.
I'm going to give it a try. I will report back after I give it a shot.
