54 crossmember shims

[Guy M.]

Does the tapered shims really help a 54 even though they are not supposed to be there. I have a pair and am ready to bolt the crossmember down but i'm wondering if I should use them. I dont cae about judging. Thanks folks!

[Mike M.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

use them. the 54 will handle a bit better. mike

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Thanks Mike. I appreciate it!

[David G.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

I agree with mike. They added the shims for a reason. It will help with any excessive play that you may have in the steering.
Dave

[Gary C.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

David, FYI - shims were added as a result of Duntov's Daytona speed run testing. TSB attached that discussions the shim additions in '56. Gary....

[David G.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Gary, Thanks for posting the TSB. I had not seen this one before.
Regards, Dave

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

The 3rd arm is different in cars that have the shims. I have shims and a 54 and was considering installing them but I attended a lecture at the NCRS nationals last year on front end restoration and understood you'd need to install the later 3rd arm also. I seem to racall there would be an interference if the early 3rd arm was used and the wheels could not be turned all the way.

[David G.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Troy,
Last month I did a lot of work on a friends 54, Including replacing the steering
box, replacing tie rod ends, and 3rd arm bearing. This car had previously had front suspension shims installed. After the front end alignment was completed, the car drove like a dream. Or at least as good at a 54 could be expected to drive with older bias ply tires.
Dave

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Sorry I just realized I was incorrect. It is not the 3rd arm that differs it is the 3rd arm support. The 3rd arm support has a part number cast on it. Do you happen to know if it is a 53-55 part or a 56 and later part?

BTW, I once asked Zora Duntov what I could do to upgrade a 54 for better handling and performance and he said, "Buy a 56."

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Thanks for the input, I guess Ill just leave them out as I have my front end done and on a dolly. Im better off not installing if I'm not sure, just one more thing to get rid of later.

[Troy P.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Well the success stories about just adding the shims without changing any other parts are interesting though. After you show the car you can always add the shims without too much trouble. So hang on to them?

[Guy M.]

Re: 54 crossmember shims

Has anybody just slipped them in without changing anything on an original car and not have any noticeable reprocusions in steering as it relates to tire rub???