Front End Shims
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,063
Likes: 38
From: Valley Center, California
Front End Shims
I disassembed my front end - This Truck has been sitting for eons. The Brake Drums are virgin. Everything else is in need of a blaster, replacement and my amazing savant skills. 
This Front End has 2 degee shims under the Springs. My other '49 had none. Some folks suggest 4 degrees.......
Can somebody share some real-life experience ?
This Front End is stock but will have a Toyota Power Box and some sort of later model V8.
Thanks
E-Dawg-A-Roo
This Front End has 2 degee shims under the Springs. My other '49 had none. Some folks suggest 4 degrees.......
Can somebody share some real-life experience ?
This Front End is stock but will have a Toyota Power Box and some sort of later model V8.
Thanks
E-Dawg-A-Roo
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 7
From: Erie, pa
My 48 Panel had no shims when I tore it down, from the way the bolts looked as well as the rest of the front end it had never been apart.
The 51 Panel that I just got for the chassis has shims, I havent pulled the springs yet so I don't know what size they are.
My plan: Put all new components (except axle, spindles) set alignment as close to spec's as I can and take it to the local spring shop for alignment.
Remember these were on an assembly line 55+ years ago, "This one gets 2 degrees, this one gets 4, the next one gets more, if I get my break on time I'll give it a 1, if not it gets none".
The 51 Panel that I just got for the chassis has shims, I havent pulled the springs yet so I don't know what size they are.
My plan: Put all new components (except axle, spindles) set alignment as close to spec's as I can and take it to the local spring shop for alignment.
Remember these were on an assembly line 55+ years ago, "This one gets 2 degrees, this one gets 4, the next one gets more, if I get my break on time I'll give it a 1, if not it gets none".
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,190
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, So Cal
You need to hear from AXracer. He has exactly the setup you have and knows all about suspension stuff.
It is my understanding that 2 degree is a minimum and that 4 degrees is best because it steers better at high speed. No shims was stock because there were no freeways in 1948, and the trucks steers great at the low speed everybody had to drive then.
My truck's PO installed IFS. So, you see, a lack of specific info or experience does not hamper me having an opinion here.
It is my understanding that 2 degree is a minimum and that 4 degrees is best because it steers better at high speed. No shims was stock because there were no freeways in 1948, and the trucks steers great at the low speed everybody had to drive then.
My truck's PO installed IFS. So, you see, a lack of specific info or experience does not hamper me having an opinion here.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
Mine is at the stock height. I have 2 degree shims in mine and it drives out well. It tracks fine. I do have the poly liners from mid-fifty in my springs. I need good shocks. Mine are new, but autozone cheapies.
I drive mine 50-60 MPH on the highway, but have never had it faster than that. Well...maybe once going down a long hill. (clutch in)
I drive mine 50-60 MPH on the highway, but have never had it faster than that. Well...maybe once going down a long hill.
(clutch in)
Last edited by Brian_B; Aug 5, 2007 at 09:50 PM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
Likes: 13
From: Littleton, New Hampshire
If you are going to be doing mostly highway cruising I'd go with the 4 degree shims. The truck will track better. Although more caster presents more resistance to turning (like when parallel parking) the PS will overcome that...
