Trailing Arm Shims
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 163
Likes: 14
Trailing Arm Shims
I’m starting from scratch on installing a new trailing arm and shims on a 72 C3 frame. The frame came bare so I do not know the amount of shims that go on each side of a trailing arm.
What would be a typical number of shims to install on the trailing arm (each side of arm) as a starting place? I plan on taking the car later to be professionally aligned.
What would be a typical number of shims to install on the trailing arm (each side of arm) as a starting place? I plan on taking the car later to be professionally aligned.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,316
Likes: 4,422
From: Westminster Maryland
Hello,
There was no 'typical' # of shims.
I would start with 2 or 3 on each side of the arms to be just snug which should get you to the alignment shop.
Be VERY careful about the shop you choose since it's probable that the fellows working there weren't even alive when your car was built.
Make sure the shop has early Corvette alignment experience.
Regards....
There was no 'typical' # of shims.
I would start with 2 or 3 on each side of the arms to be just snug which should get you to the alignment shop.
Be VERY careful about the shop you choose since it's probable that the fellows working there weren't even alive when your car was built.
Make sure the shop has early Corvette alignment experience.
Regards....
Last edited by Alan 71; Jun 14, 2026 at 05:10 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 707
Just another note in regards to the alignment shop have them dial in as much front caster as they can without affecting the camber.
I don't have anything against the "new" young techs but if they key in a cars "stock" 1970's caster and camber details they have the stock bias ply tire specs. Not great for late model radials.
Another thing on young gun techs. I know a few and they are super sharp. Always to happy to help me on my hot rod projects.
I don't have anything against the "new" young techs but if they key in a cars "stock" 1970's caster and camber details they have the stock bias ply tire specs. Not great for late model radials.
Another thing on young gun techs. I know a few and they are super sharp. Always to happy to help me on my hot rod projects.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,118
Likes: 599
I’m starting from scratch on installing a new trailing arm and shims on a 72 C3 frame. The frame came bare so I do not know the amount of shims that go on each side of a trailing arm.
What would be a typical number of shims to install on the trailing arm (each side of arm) as a starting place? I plan on taking the car later to be professionally aligned.
What would be a typical number of shims to install on the trailing arm (each side of arm) as a starting place? I plan on taking the car later to be professionally aligned.
Here is my DIY method.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...nt-method.html
Simple tools and verified using professional alignment rack for measurements.
Give it a try.
