When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am getting my front suspension back together and had a question about which way the spring alignment shim is suppose to go. Does the thick part of the shim go towards the front?
In other words, the axle will be level when the shim is installed? I was told that I needed the correct caster setup which is what has me confused. It is the kit form Mid fifty.
The fact that my axle is moving forward on the spring then adding the shim so the thick part is in the rear just seems like a big addition to tilt the axle back.
Hello, As I was researching for stock axle options on my 50 F I came across the info on Nostalgia Sid's web site. In the Tech articles a pictorial was shown for an drop axle replacemant and it shows the thick side of your shim or block to the rear of the truck and any shims you add will also have the thick part to the rear of the truck. Hope this helps.
I get confused on this too. This diagram may help. The thick part should go in the rear. If you have not made any major changes to the axle, springs, frame or tires you may be able to use the same shims. If the truck wanders or the steering wheel doen't return fast enough you may need a thicker shim. Does it say on the shim what degree it is. I hate to guess just from a picture.
Mid-Fifty catalog states that the thick part of the shim goes to the rear. The Down and Forward kit ships with 4 degree shims as they state this is what most trucks need. I have this kit and many other parts arriving tomorrow. I already purchased their rear short and smooth kit for a 3 1/2" drop in the rear (and flipped the front rear spring hangers)
Thx for the information. Sorry, I looked though all the documentation on-line from Mid-Fifty and didn't see where the shims should be installed with the thick part to the rear. (I guess I might need to get the catalog) Either way, after do much reading and the replies here, that is how I will install them.
I don't know how much caster is built into your axle but if you run radial tires I have seen info where up to 8 deg total (axle, shims, etc,) might be requires. 4° should be a good place to start.
I have the 4 degree shims and thick end to the rear as that will give it the caster you need to have the wheels come back straight after turning. I also put on the series 400 power steering. My steering returns to center a lot easier than it did before but nothing like a newer car or truck. I also had to put a spacer on my left front wheel as putting in the forward springs it moves the fat part of the tire up also and on a sharp left turn the inside of the tire will hit the drag link. Good Luck you will like the set up.
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
