Hey has anyone here done this, or know someone who has?


I think I'm gonna run 6* shims (I'm sure I am, since I already ordered them) and realize that I will lose a bit of feedback in my steering. I'm sure I saw a guy who used a shock with a coilspring around it (maybe a autozone deal, I'm not sure??) Basically run the shock so that it's in the center of it's travel. (it should automatically center with the coil spring) and then center-up your wheels and mount away.

When the spring is pushed or pulled beyond center it should automatically re-center itself.

This is what I'm thinking of running (on the street only, then disconnect it for the trail) until I can cut-and-turn my knuckles.

Sooo, what do you think, have you tried it, does it sound like it will work???

What are the shims for? or why do you think you need 'em?

I'm still not sure how much caster a GM front end has from the factory... you should measure your Blazer before you scrap it.

Don't they run a CV front 'shaft? With the diff pointed at the t'case?

If that's so, and they still have caster, you need to determine just how many degrees of "caster/pinion" you have to work with.

My perches were roughly level with the ground when I had my front-shackle SOA.

The pinion was roughly parallel with the ground.

I'm pretty sure I had plenty of caster, though I never measured it.

I'm wondering if you take 6-deg of caster out, will you STILL have positive caster?

You could also look at the 1.5deg caster correctors to try and add some back in if it's within the range you have.. and maybe skip a cut n' turn.

As I mentioned.. I ran stock springs, SOA, for 2 years of 4-hi racing with a stock style front driveshaft and a "horizontal" pinion.. no shims.

I didn't even have to change the U-joints once.. though I did grease 'em more often than any other rig I've owned. :D

Well I remember someone on this board saying; when we were dicussing my SOA, that I would "most likely" need 7* shims.

I'd rather have them on hand, just in case, then have to wait a week to finish the project.

But it just occured to me that I requested some 2" wide ones, but I think I'd want 2.5" wide wouldn't I??:confused:

Any tips on the coil assisted shock though??

I stopped in at AutoZone and he say's they don't have any.

Originally posted by Cliffhanger
Any tips on the coil assisted shock though??

I stopped in at AutoZone and he say's they don't have any.

Interesting idea.. but sounds more like a Gimmick.

Deal with the negative caster... or just do the cut n' turn.

Or.. look into the caster correctors after you figure out how much angle you have to play with..

Originally posted by tsm1mt


Interesting idea.. but sounds more like a Gimmick.

Deal with the negative caster... or just do the cut n' turn.

Or.. look into the caster correctors after you figure out how much angle you have to play with..

I know I'll need to, and I have every intention to, I'm just being curious.

I did find that NAPA has some, $109.00/pair, ONLY SOLD IN PAIRS!

Anyone wanna try this with me ;)

maybe I'll just do it right and CUT-and-Turn right away if I need to. I just don't know if I'd make it to RMIHR with that project added to the list. Maybe it's not as big a deal as I'm making out to be. I know the procedure, I've just never done it. TIME TO DIP IN!!!!!!

Ah hell; I'm gonna cancle the Shim order from parts mike, thanks TSM1MT................DONE! cought him just before he shipped it out.

Originally posted by tsm1mt
Interesting idea.. but sounds more like a Gimmick.


Do you think the spring rate is NOT enough to pull the tires back (especially 35's) I tend to agree, but if not for the price it would've been worth the effort.

Originally posted by Cliffhanger


Do you think the spring rate is NOT enough to pull the tires back (especially 35's) I tend to agree, but if not for the price it would've been worth the effort.

I think it would be hard to get it "just-so" centered.. also if your caster is off, the front tires are still going to want to wander some.. but the spring will push it back into place.. or will it OVER push, and then pull it back to correct.. and over correct and..

Death-wobble?

I just don't think it's the right way of making it track straight.

Originally posted by tsm1mt

but the spring will push it back into place.. or will it OVER push, and then pull it back to correct.. and over correct and..

Death-wobble?

I just don't think it's the right way of making it track straight.

Ohhh, yeah. Good point:eek:

JC Whitney has the shocks you are looking for. $60 a pair. You have to give them a vehicle application, fwiw, 96 Dodge 3500 rears have about 8" travel, thats the longest stock application I know of offhand.