The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Front leaf springs

I removed the front leaf springs to replace the bushings, shackles and eye bolts.

Passenger side had 2 shims between the spring and the axle, drivers side didn't have any.Is this normal? I understand the shims are to tilt the axle to correct the caster angle.

I'm not sure if the passenger side spring is lined up in the holes in the axle because the shims are covering the center bolt. Any problem if I remove the shim(s)?

Since the old bushing, shackles and eye bolts were completely shot are the new ones going to change the caster anyway?

There should have been shims on both sides to correct the caster, and even then there should only have been one per side. It almost seems like someone has tried to compensate for either worn bushings or a twisted axle. I would put it back together without the shims, then get it shesked at an alignment shop. You may have to find one thet handles large trucks, most smaller shops only do modern vehicles and may not have the knowlege or equipment to handle a strait axle. They will be able to tell you if the axle is ok. You may consider having some caster put in, that will give more stability to the steering when travelling on the highway. I'm thinking of doing that to my '55, if I can find the right width shims.

Thanks for the advice. I removed the shims and now I'm sure the spring is properly installed.

The shim looks like aluminum. Size 1 5/8" wide x 4 1/8" long. Taper, appx. 1/16" to 3/16". There is a 7/16" slot in the middle for the spring center bolt to slide through, begins at 1 13/16" (from the 1/16" taper end) and continues to the end at 4 1/8".

They are stamped:

BEAR MFG. CO.
POCK ISLAND, ILL
A-2 SELF LOCK
2 ° - 1 3/4"
PAT. JAN. 19:32

<-------- 4 1/8" -------->
______________________
¦ 1/16" taper end
---------- ¦
---------- ¦
______________________¦

¦<--1 13/16 -->¦

Yep, those sound like shims to adjust the caster. I was thinking of adding them to my '57 to aid in high speed stability, but I was wondering if it would affect the steering effort much.

I would put them back in. One on each side with the thick part to the rear.

Do all trucks have shims to correct the castor? My new frontend that I bought did not have any when I took it apart. I have heard from a lot of people about the shims. Some folks have said that they need to be there.

TIA

If you have an original straight axle, they MUST be there or you have a dangerous ride at high speed. I can't comment on a new manufacture axle, and have no idea about M II conversions.

Put them back on. 1 per side.