I was referring to connecting rod shims when you get to the point of cleaning the pan and bottom end. The rod will just move to the side with a light tap from a hammer. Get the details from the shop manual and it's actually not very difficult and works very well to get the correct clearance. Easier than Plastigauge for these.
The shims are still available. NAPA had them last time I looked but also Ebay, Chevs of 40'a, The Filling Station, etc. The odds are you will be removing shims and the current ones should be in layers so you pick a layer off but leave the other layers.
