Took my front end out from under the truck today and removed the 4 U Bolts that hold the leaf springs to the straight axle so I could install my new posie super slide lowering springs. When the leaf springs fell off the axle I noticed 2 little wedges that were under the spring on top of the axle. I didnt get a chance to see but do the thick part of the wedges go towards the front or back of the leaf springs?

I have never seen these on the front before, I know in the rears the wedge normally goes to the front to give you some pinion angle but not sure about the wedges on the front.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

The thick part goes in the back. The stock ones are 2 degree. Most people replace these with 4-5 degree ones. Sure makes the truck go down the road straighter.

 

I'm glad you asked about this, it reminds that I need to order some of those wedges and get them installed.

Bobby

 

Bobby, you and me both! Don, where is the best place to get the 4-5 degree wedges? Thanks for your replies, I had no idea these were that important!

 

Hello, I did not have any shims when I replaced my front suspension. What would the symptoms be if I needed them? How does the steering change with no shim, 2 degrees or 4-5 degrees? Is there a way to measure what I need i.e. castor angle? Thanks, Steve

 

My ttruck didn't have any caster wedges in it that I know of, but I've lowered the front end of the truck which essentially changes the caster angle so I figure that I should add a few degrees to bring it back to normal

I think I've seen them in the Speedway Motors catalog

Bobby

 

If you don't have enough caster angle, the truck will want to wander around when going down the road. Mine would start to wander about 45-50 MPH with the stock shims. I put in 4 degree and now it starts to wander about 75 MPH.
Several people have told me that I should have put in 5 degree. It will make it a little harder to turn, but it will want to go straight.
I don't remember where I bought mine, but I think it was Mid Fifty. I would think classic haulers would have them.

 

Just ordered some 4 degree from classic haulers, about $35 all said and done. I am glad you guys responded, my original ones were shot and I almost put it back together without any shims at all!

 

Hello, I just installed the new U-bolts...without any shims. If I get shims, can I reuse the same U-bolts or will I have to get new ones? Thanks, Steve

 

Your U bolts will work just fine. You need the shims!

 

Thank you so much!

Steve

 

I would suggest a trip to an alignment shop for all the vehicles we work on, stock auapension or otherwise, before we get to serious about doing more that a few "Test" drives (Even Trailer Queens). There are all sorts of things that need to be checked
Tow-in
Tow-out
Camber
Castor
Akerman angle
Whips
Chips
N
Dips
Be safe out there

 

Got a part number? I'm thinking about ordering a set for my 52. Don't remember if it has the stock shims or any at all.

 

This was from classic haulers.
2 x ($9.90) Spring Alignment Shim 4 Degree $19.80
1 x ($0.00) 4852 Catalog $0.00

Payment By: PAYPAL
Subtotal: $19.80
Tax: $0.00
Shipping and Handling: $13.00
Core Charges: $0.00
Credits/Discounts: $0.00
Total Amount: $32.80

I also called a local place and they can measure all of the angles for me for $50.

Steve

 

Check with NAPA - Remember to ask for the proper width - Also check your locak Spring/Alignment shops