Factory trailing arm shimming

[Terry M.]

Re: Factory trailing arm shimming

The equipment I have used develops a thrust angle based on the rear suspension. I believe it is developed from the rear wheel position, but the equipment computes it. If the thrust angle is zero then that is the centerline of the car. Whether that thrust angle is zero, or as close to it as one can come equalizing the rear adjustments, the front settings are then made based on it. One should adjust the rear first in order to minimize the thrust angle.

[Tracy C.]

Re: Factory trailing arm shimming

Wow... it never ceases to amaze me how helpful this TDB is. I'm in the middle of assembling my chassis now and just the other days was scratching my head on this topic. Currently, my frame is upside down and I am bolting things back onto it. When I read John's comment about the factory aligning the rear training arms before the spring ends were attached, a light bulb clicked in my head. Further down, Duke's step by step procedure brought it all home for me.

I can see how shimming to maintain a 1/32 toe in measurement would be a challenge under these circumstances. If I can just get things pointed straight ahead and vertical, I'll bet it will drive to the alignment shop just fine. I know a good alignment man in Wichita with significant Corvette exposure who can fine tune this for me with no sweat.

Steve, I still haven't got to the spring disassembly yet, but I plan to measure leaf compression force for you.

Thanks all for a great thread.

tc

[Steve L.]

Re: Factory trailing arm shimming

Thanks Tracy,
During restoration, the only thing for certain is that it always takes a lot longer to do anything than anticipated.