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| | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 | 46 1/2 ton. What is the purpose of the shim/ wedge that goes between the front spring and axle. Thanks | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,271 Renaissance Man | | Renaissance Man Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 10,271 | That is a caster shim. It sets the caster angle of the axle in relation to the frame. Without it, when you come out of a turn, the truck will fail to automatically straighten out when you reduce force on the steering wheel as you are attempting go straight. It's absence will also result in the truck to be all over the road as you are trying to go straight without much movement of the steering wheel.
1952 5-window - return to "as built" condition | 1950 3100 with a 235 and a T-5 transmission
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 | Thanks for the explanation I appreciate it. So if I understand the king pin in relation to the truck/frame is at 90degs. But when it's installed to springs with the shim it give its caster angle. Is this somewhat what happens without getting to scientific. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT | | Gearhead, Stovebolt Tech and Parts Tracker, Mod for Swap Meet and GTT Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 5,777 | A very unscientific (but accurate) conclusion!  
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100Follow this story in the DITY Gallery"My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine"1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 | Great thanks for the confirmation 👠| | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,195 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,195 | The thicker part of the wedge goes towards the rear of the truck, incase you forget. The kingpin angle is such, that when you turn, the front of the truck raises up. It's this rise that returns the steering to center, the weight of the truck pushes the front end down and keeps it going straight.
An even more unscientific conclusion..... | | | | | Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2008 Posts: 117 | | | |
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