Re: Trailing arm shim question

[John C.]

1969 model year cars did not use the long cotter pin to hold the shims in place. In 1969 the shims had holes in them that the trailing arm bolt passed through to hold them in place. Late in the 1970 model year they switched to shims with slots in them to ease servicing. This required the use of the cotter pin to hold them in place.

John

[Mark E.]

Re: Trailing arm shim question

I found this thread while searching for those with zero replies. I think more folks should follow John's example and post unsolicited tips and little known facts about our cars.

John: The title implies a question, but the post is pure advice. Good stuff to know in any case.

[Joe L.]

Re: Trailing arm shim question

1969 model year cars did not use the long cotter pin to hold the shims in place. In 1969 the shims had holes in them that the trailing arm bolt passed through to hold them in place. Late in the 1970 model year they switched to shims with slots in them to ease servicing. This required the use of the cotter pin to hold them in place.

John

John------


The 1969 shim configuration was the same as 1964-68. Late 1969 Corvettes did have the holes in the frame for the shim-retaining cotter pins.

I believe that some of the original shims used for my late 1969 Corvette were of the slotted type. However, no cotter pins were originally used.

Slotted shims can be used without cotter pins IF the following is done:

1) The shim pack has to be TIGHT. The last shim needs to be pounded in. This should always be done regardless.

2) The ends of the shims need to be tucked down into the pocket on the frame.

[John C.]

Re: Trailing arm shim question

I found this thread while searching for those with zero replies. I think more folks should follow John's example and post unsolicited tips and little known facts about our cars.

John: The title implies a question, but the post is pure advice. Good stuff to know in any case.

Originally that was meant to be a post that went along with this thread - https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...029#post336029

I'm not sure how it became it own thread, probably user error.

John

[Timothy B.]

Re: Trailing arm shim question

Also, want to add that the trailing arm through bolt gets tightened with the weight of the car on the ground and all the suspension normalized.