Trailing Arm Shims

[Mark S.]

Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether I should use the slotted stainless shims or the original steel 2 hole shims when installing my trailing arms. Looks more difficult to use the originals and harder to align later but this is my first time doing this. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

[Edward J.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Mark do your self a favor use the slotted shims. So much easier to align. The rear.

[Mark S.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Kinda what I thought. My frame does not have holes for cotter pin but I am guessing when they rest on the inside of frame and the bolts are tight there not falling out..??

[Leif A.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Here's my 2 cents. Buy both the original 2 hole shims and a set of the slotted shims. Take your car to a competent (read old school) alignment shop that is familiar with the IRS of a C2 Corvette. Have them align the rear using the slotted shims. Once they have obtained a correct alignment using an assortment of thickness slotted shims, have them take an inventory of the shims on either side of the trailing arm on both sides. Now, have them remove the slotted shims (keeping track of the thickness on each side), remove the trailing arm bolt and insert the correct 2 hole shims of the same thickness as the slotted ones they removed. Unless you're driving your C2 as a daily driver or hitting pot holes and curbs, you most likely will never have to go through this process again. A good alignment will outlast the typical, minimum driving these old cars get. Again, my opinion, but I like things to be "correct".
I guess, bottom line, do you want it done the easy way or the correct way...your dime.

[Edward J.]

[James W.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Great advice Leif! I will be going though this process in the spring and want it right. Now to find an old school alignment shop. May have to trailer back to my home town in rural Iowa and let the same guy do it that did alignments on my dad's Corvettes.

Regards,

James

[Frank D.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

I would just go with the slotted shims with the long cotter pins to secure them...
That's what I did on the 63 Pretty sure Van Steel sells the shim kit and cotter pins.
And go with STAINLESS STEEL shims if you ever want to get them out easily again.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Does anyone have any thoughts as to whether I should use the slotted stainless shims or the original steel 2 hole shims when installing my trailing arms. Looks more difficult to use the originals and harder to align later but this is my first time doing this. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

Mark------


I would not even consider using anything but the slotted, stainless steel shims. Period. Once installed, the shim types are virtually impossible to discern. However, even if they could be discerned, I'd still use them. This element of originality is minutia to the absolute extreme.

Shims tucked down into the frame pocket as they should be and tightly fit as they should be will not fall out.

[Frank D.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Correct, my slotted shims did not dislodge even after the poly bushing installed by a previous owner crumbled to ground pepper. If the metal sleeves that the rubber bushing wraps around are installed properly the ends should meet inside the trailing arm for a metal-to-metal connection - so its a snug fitting metal-to-metal assembly from one side of the frame pocket to the other if the shims are snugly installed.

I still feel slightly better with the cotter pin as an added safety measure.

[Leif A.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Mark,
One thing you did not mention and is not available from your profile...what year Corvette are we talking about here? It makes a difference as to what's correct for your car.

[James W.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

Leif,

My car is a 1965 coupe.

James

Mark,
One thing you did not mention and is not available from your profile...what year Corvette are we talking about here? It makes a difference as to what's correct for your car.

[Mark S.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

I updated my profile. Info is for 69 71, M21. Thanks

[Mark S.]

Re: Trailing Arm Shims

this a great way to do this. Thanks !!!
Hopefully my alignment guy will work with me...