C3 Trailing arm shims

[shane barnes]

I was looking at a 71 vette over the weekend. I noticed that on the passenger side trailing arm, all the shims were on the outer side of the trailing arm and none on the inner side. What problems if any would this cause? If I get this vette should I redo the shims so there is an even amount on each side of the trailing arm?

[John H.]

Re: C3 Trailing arm shims

Shane -

Shim placement is based on rear toe-in setting requirements as determined by an alignment machine, not by any shim count; the situation you describe is not normal - either the toe-in is not properly set, or it's correct and there has been previous frame or trailing arm damage that required all the shims on one side.

[Terry F.]

Re: C3 Trailing arm shims

The shims all being on one side could mean a problem or it could mean that someone just put them all on one side when they put it back together. Assuming the frame is not bent, I would plan on a four wheel realignment at a minimum. At that time you would find out if the shims need to all be on one side. I would not do an alignment on a car that old without replacing the rubber bushing on the trailing arms and strut rods. I would suspect that if they have never been replaced they could be badly beat out. Regards. Terru+

[Gene M.]

Re: C3 Trailing arm shims

Also check to see if the strut rods are bent. That is another "Bobba" alignment fix. That would kinda go along with all the shims on the outside, since a bent strut shortens it.