What kind of shims do you use for front end alignment?
Shims are a critical component in proper front end alignment for any leaf sprung vehicle that has been lifted. Picture shows a spring over setup, but our shims work for spring over or springs underneath the axles. 2" wide shims would be used on CJ's 1976 and newer in the front.
Where do the shims go on a rear pinion?
Pinion depth shims either go under the rear pinion race or on the pinion shaft under the rear pinion bearing. The diameter of your shims will determine where they go. Try using the original shim depth for your first attempt.
How much does it cost to Shim the rear axles?
2.5" wide shims would be 1976+ rear, and all YJ Wranglers. Temporarily out of production Jeep Axle Shims (pair) - 2.5" wide only Select shims2 degree x 2.5 inch - $303 degree x 2.5 inch - $304 degree x 2.5 inch - $305 degree x 2.5 inch - $306 degree x 2.5 inch - $307 degree x 2.5 inch - $30
What kind of axle shims do you need for Jeep?
Jeep Steel Axle Shims Steel shims help keep driveline angles correct to help with vibration, prevent U-joint binding, and help fight spring wrap if your pinion is sticking up a bit too high. We carry different sized shims for different needs.
How much lift do you get with shackles?
Do shackle lifts change pinion angle?
Can you put shims in a lift kit?
Is it illegal to use front axle shims in PA?

How do axle shims work?
2:108:21Axle Pinion Shims - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd how steep it is you can tip your axle up or down and what that does is it corrects the alignmentMoreAnd how steep it is you can tip your axle up or down and what that does is it corrects the alignment. On your drive shaft. So if you've installed a suspension lift or done something to the suspension.
Where do you put pinion shims?
7:5915:21How to install Pinion axle shims Episode 448 AutorestomodYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith it sitting in the level position. And then put some kind of cone. Or something up in there thatMoreWith it sitting in the level position. And then put some kind of cone. Or something up in there that sits inside of the plate on the top of the axle. And then goes up into the axle plate itself.
Can you stack caster shims?
Q1: Is it possible to stack two or more truck axle shims for caster or pinion angle? they will slip out of position and could cause the U-Bolt clamps to loosen causing a dangerous situation.
How are axle shims measured?
1:255:06How to measure for and install rear axle shims in your Jeep ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou could take your angle finder and stick it right to that yoke. Itself on the bottom get it linedMoreYou could take your angle finder and stick it right to that yoke. Itself on the bottom get it lined up perfect and stick it on the bottom.
Can wrong pinion angle cause vibration?
Pinion angle is one of the most important considerations on a lifted vehicle, but sadly it is often overlooked. The wrong angles can lead to horrible drive line vibrations, as well as premature failure of U-joints, driveshafts, pinion bearings and even transfer case output bearings.
What is the correct pinion angle?
between 1 and 3 degreesAccording to Currie, the average car crafter should strive for between 1 and 3 degrees between the tailshaft of the transmission and driveshaft, and 1 to 3 degrees between the driveshaft and pinion. Furthermore, the two angles should be nearly equal (between 1 and 3 degrees), but always opposite (see crude diagram).
How many shims is too many?
Mathematically any number can be achieved with 3 shims. A good rule of thumb is to use no more than 5 shims under the foot.
How would you change caster towards the positive without changing camber?
Registered. As Mike and Rick said, moving an equal number of shims from the front and adding them to the back will move your caster to the positive without changing your camber any substantial amount. You should set your toe after changing the caster.
How thick is a 4 degree axle shim?
Aluminum Pinion Angle Leaf Spring Shims Note:4 Degree - Shim thickness at tall end is . 551" and . 191" thick on the short end. Note: 2 Degree - Shim thickness at tall end is .
How thick is a 6 degree axle shim?
These shims are 2.5” wide, and work with 2.5” wide leaf spring packs.
How do you shim a rear differential?
2:5713:16Differential Case Installation With Universal Shims - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain I rotate the case apply pressure with the screwdriver and push down and away from the pinionMoreAgain I rotate the case apply pressure with the screwdriver and push down and away from the pinion with my hand as I feel for backlash backlash still feels a little large.
What is a pinion shim?
0:021:30Overhung Pinion depth shim change Explained - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDesign the design you have will be one or the other. The first location is between the pinion headMoreDesign the design you have will be one or the other. The first location is between the pinion head and the rear bearing. The second location is between the rear bearing outer race and the housing.
How do you shim a rear differential?
2:5713:16Differential Case Installation With Universal Shims - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain I rotate the case apply pressure with the screwdriver and push down and away from the pinionMoreAgain I rotate the case apply pressure with the screwdriver and push down and away from the pinion with my hand as I feel for backlash backlash still feels a little large.
How do you fix a pinion angle on a lifted truck?
Changing Pinion Angle Is Simple Changing the angle is as simple as adding wedged shims between the rear axle housing and the springs to slightly rotate the housing upward or downward. Putting the thick end of the wedge to the rear lowers the pinion; putting the thick edge to the front raises the pinion.
Do I need leaf spring shims?
The rear depends on how it's been set up. If it's running a transfer case drop and a shim in the rear then you need the shim. If it's running a SYE with cut and rotated spring perches then you shouldn't need a shim.
Why use steel shims?
Steel shims help keep driveline angles correct to help with vibration, prevent U-joint binding, and help fight spring wrap if your pinion is sticking up a bit too high. We carry different sized shims for different needs.
What size shims are used on a 1976 CJ?
2" wide shims would be used on CJ's 1976 and newer in the front.
What is a shim on a CJ?
Shims are a critical component in proper front end alignment for any leaf sprung vehicle that has been lifted. Picture shows a spring over setup, but our shims work for spring over or springs underneath the axles. 2" wide shims would be used on CJ's 1976 and newer in the front.
Do steel shims last forever?
Steel shims will last forever and are VERY safe. Also great for correcting castor angles on front CJ & YJ axles. Improper castor is caused by longer shackles and can cause sloppy handling at highway speeds. Shims are a critical component in proper front end alignment for any leaf sprung vehicle that has been lifted.
How much lift does a real steel bar have?
BTW, the RealSteel bars are said to be for 6" inches of lift or more. That's because of the interference with the body mount. If I had to install another set, I'd use the same brand, even on a stock height Excursion and simply cut the body mount off and locate it elsewhere. Maybe the inside of the frame rail. You have to get the rear axle brackets welded to the axle tubes, so a little more fab work and welding is no big deal...at least not to me.
How many ball joints did Ford replace?
The Ford dealer replaced all four of the ball joint and deemed the steering fixed.
Can you use shims on front axels?
I would not use shims on a front axel. Get ball joint eccentrics at your local shop and have them do the alinement.
Does caster angle affect tire wear?
Caster angle does not affect tire wear one bit, except in the case where uneven caster side - to - side would cause a pull. Adding the shims will change the toe-in and camber, but only SLIGHTLY and not enough to warrant a re-alignment.
Do pickups have traction bars?
There are a lot of guys with old body style pickups that run traction bars, and I do see them on lifted superduties, but whether or not they are for posin' or functional I couldn't say.
How long is Sierra gear and axle warranty?
Sierra Gear & Axle products are covered by warranty policies that vary depending upon product type and category. Ring & Pinion Gear Sets are guaranteed for one (1) year* Installation Kits are guaranteed to contain components that are free from manufacturing defects. Chromoly Axle Shafts are guaranteed against breakage for a period of 10 years.* Replacement Axle Shafts are guaranteed for a period of two (2) years*
How to check pinion depth?
Check the pattern for proper pinion depth only after setting the backlash. Brush three or four of the ring gear teeth with a moderate coat of gear marking compound in two different places on the ring gear. Rotate the ring gear past the pinion gear three or four times and then back so the pattern can be seen. Pinion depth is indicated by the position of the pattern between the face and flank of the ring gear teeth. Backlash affects the pattern position between the heel and toe of the ring gear teeth. Housing alignment and pinion bearing bore alignment can also affect the pattern from heel to toe and can not be corrected without machine work. In some cases an ideal heel to toe pattern can not be achieved. If the backlash is within specifications, you may not be able to improve the heel to toe pattern. A contact pattern that is centered from face to flank always indicates correct pinion depth, even if a pattern that is centered from heel to toe can not be obtained. If the contact pattern is towards the face of the ring gear teeth then the pinion is too far away from the ring gear. Adjust the pinion shims to move the pinion gear towards the ring gear centerline (add shims, subtract shims for pinion support designs). If the contact pattern is towards the flank of the ring gear teeth then the pinion is too close to the ring gear. Adjust the pinion shims to move the pinion gear away from the ring gear centerline (subtract shims; add shims for pinion support designs). When changing the pinion depth, make large changes; (0.005” to 0.015”) until the pattern is close. By making adjustments that move the pinion too far, you can determine that the correct pattern is somewhere between the two extremes. Then make smaller changes; (0.002” to 0.004”) until the pattern is centered between the face and the flank of the ring gear teeth. When setting up a used ring & pinion, pay more attention to the pattern on the coast side of the ring gear teeth and pay less attention to the drive side. Low mileage gears should be patterned as if new.
How to seat a pinion bearing?
All Designs:After reaching the correct preload, moderately tap both ends of the pinion to seat the bearings, races and yoke. Be careful not to hit the pinion so hard that it damages the bearings. After “seating” the pinion, check the pinion bearing preload again.
How to check carrier bearing preload?
Check the backlash by mounting a dial indicator to the housing with the plunger set perpendicular to the ring gear teeth. Hold the pinion yoke and rotate the ring gear back and forth. See the specifications section. The backlash will generally change about 0.007” for each 0.010” that the carrier is moved. To decrease the backlash, move the carrier closer to the pinion centerline. To increase the backlash, move the carrier away from the pinion centerline.
How long do you have to cool a new gear set before towing?
All new gear sets require a break-in period to prevent damage fromoverheating. After driving the first 15 or 20 miles you MUST let the dif-ferential cool for at least 30-40 minutes before proceeding. Drive 500 easy miles before towing.
What causes a car's ring to fail?
ANY OVERLOADING OR OVERHEATING CAN CAUSE THE GEAR OIL TO BREAK DOWN AND THE RING & PINION CAN FAIL.
How long will a Sierra differential last?
You can expect many years and many miles of dependable use from your differential if it is set up properly and if you use only top quality parts. You already have quality parts if you bought a Sierra kit. By following these instructions carefully, you will achieve proper set up. We sincerely hope that these instructions are helpful.
How much lift do you get with shackles?
First lets make sure we're clear on shackle length vs. lift. You only get 1/2 the lift as the amount your shackles are extended because you are only lifting 1 end of the spring. Thus, your shackles would be 2 3/4" longer than stock to give you 1 3/8" of lift. That is an extremely long shackle & will cause some instability & handling problems in themselves.
Do shackle lifts change pinion angle?
those shackle lifts change your pinion angle way more so than just a normal lift of that amount. you should MEASURE the caster before you shim it.
Can you put shims in a lift kit?
You could put the shims in that came with the lift kit - obviously, they were designed to run with the kit.
Is it illegal to use front axle shims in PA?
But here in PA, front axle shims are illegal.
