I am converting to tubular cross arms and coilover shock on my 68 convertible. My question is in reards to the shims that were on my stock arms. Do i use the same shims or do i need to change or is this something an alignment shop would dial in? What recommendations do you have for a rear spring/shock setup. The car is a convertible, 400 small block, tremec tko600. Not building a track car, but a good handling street car. Thanks for the hep!

Im going to change my A arms also and I am told that I should get the car realigned, and that they will take care of any shimming, I hope that this helps you out, let me know how it goes.........007

Unless you trailer the car to the alignment shop; I would put the shims in that were there originally until you get it to the shop for a basic set up. When they do align the car they will correct the number and thickness of the shims to what is needed.


Larger Dave

1) Find a straight 2x4 or long straightedge. Turn the steering wheel until the wheel you are working on is straight ahead. Use the straightedge to referance the wheel straight ahead position.

2) Using the center of the wheel or hoop as a referance and a small level, add/subtract the shim pack until the reading is vertical. Try to keep the shim pack thickness about equal for the front and rear. After each adjustment roll the car back-and-forth several feet while moving the steering wheel, and if more adjustments are necessary, re-center the wheel and add/subtract shims again.

3) Repeat for both wheels.

4) Set the steering wheel in the straight ahead position. Adjust each tie rod until each wheel points straight ahead. Roll the car back and forth to center everything and make adjustments as necessary.

Aftermarket tubular arms have lots of built-in caster so an equal amount of shims should work fine to get you to the alignment shop. If the shop is a long ways, I'd get it towed/trailered.

thanks for the info!