Shims On The Rear

Hey guys I am back again. I just have a quick question about shims and rear leafspring.

After I had the leafspring off, i noticed that there was a shim between the leafspring and axle. I would like to know, do I keep the shim and put it on with the new leafspring?

Thanks for answering my silly questions, I appreciate the time and help from you guys.

 

In a word, yes.

In more than one word, if you have an angle finder of some sort, your pinion should be pointing up at the same angle that your transfer case output is pointing down to keep your driveshaft happy. The shim you are questioning should achieve this, but I'd recommend checking to make sure (a) you in fact do need a shim, and (b) that you have the correct angle shim if it does need one.

 

I re-read your original post. Is it an angled shim? Or a flat shim?

 

Possibly a leveling block? Jeep had a SB and kit - A lot of them were installed to reduce Jeep lean.

 

Sorry for the late reply been a long day.

The shims are angled. However, the thick part is pointing inwards instead of the rear bumper. Now, I am not sure how true this is but I read somewhere on another forum or car website that the thickest part of the shim should be towards the rear bumper.

 

Not sure if it was a leveling block. I took a picture so that you guys can see. There is one like this on the opposite side.

*edit addition*

To be honest, I think I will wait to check the angles because, I will be installing new leafsprings on the front with the same amount of lift as the rear. Once, I've done the upgrades to suspension & steering I'll take the angle measurements to be more precise in what I should do. What do you guys think? In addition, I still plan on getting my jeep to a mechanic that i trust to get a alignment printout that was suggested to me in an earlier post.

 

Not a leveling block. The Jeep did not come from the factory with tapered shims. They are installed to tilt the differential pinion up toward the transfer case and more equally divide the driveshaft angle between the two driveshaft u-joints. Possibly this is the second set of lift springs added to this Jeep?

I would wait to see what the angle is when everything is installed. I would measure the angle to make sure both u-joints are equally angled.

 

Fwiw my factory springs had an angled shim added or the po. I used the shim with my bds springs, tried it without them and had a driveline vibration.

 

Yes there was work done to this jeep. When I went to take the leafsprings off I noticed that the bolts were welded onto the shackle. I asked my pop and he said that he did have some work done to it. I remember a long time ago he was angry with some shop that worked on the jeep now I know why. So needless to say I had to cut the old shackle off and have replacements on the way. I checked and the opposite side and it had the same thing done. I want to add that the new shackles are OEM height.

 

X2 check the angles. Also I've seen some kits with aluminum shims. If they are chuck them and get steel ones. Member McRuff here can supply you a set. Aluminum is subject to wear and your u bolts can loosen/ drive line problems ensue.

 

I think they're aluminum there is almost no weight.

 

Magnet.

 

Thanks for tip definitely will get the steel.

 

Be sure to get ones that bolt on using your center pin. Don't ever use the ones that slip over the head of your center pin. Be sure to use steel, as stated above.