[weigellj]

Here is a pic of my front end. I am told that with a 4" lift, I should have a degree shim installed. What degree should I get. 4 degree or 6 degree? 2 is Definatly out.

<IMG width=640 height=480 SRC="http://www.pirate4x4.com/ubb/uploads/underfrontLC.jpg">

Thanks. <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/beer.gif" border="0">

 

[Pin Head]

You can't determine what shim you need if any from just the height of the spring. It depends on many things, like the shape of the spring, the location of the spring mounting point and the length of the shackles. Best thing to do is take it in to an alignment shop and have them measure what the caster angle is and then add shims to make it +1 degree (or slightly more). You can make a pretty good guess by using a magnetic angle finder on the machined top surface of the knuckle housing. Be sure to subtract the angle of the pavement the vehicle is parked on.

 

[weigellj]

Ok... Then to meausure my castor, I take my borrowed magnetic degree gauge and place it where on the axle? I thought you went off the ring gear where the front driveshaft bolts up?

 

[Pin Head]

You measure it at the machined surface on the steering knuckle where the steering arm bolts on the top or where the bearing cap bolts on to the bottom. The wheels must be pointing straight ahead. There isn't much of a space showing there with the arm or cap on, so you have to put a straight edge on the surface in order to get the angle finder on it. The top of the arm isn't flat enough to get an accurate measurements. The pavement that the vehicle sits on must be flat in order to get an accurate measurement of its angle. We are only talking about 1 degree here and it isn't easy to measure accurately with an agle finder, but it is better than guessing.

[ 10-18-2001: Message edited by: Pin Head ]