Mertz Posted July 28, 2021 Report Posted July 28, 2021 To hot to work on the truck lately but this morning I got inspired to grind the rust off the front of the frame. As I got things clean I noticed a crude shim on the back side of the front axle which was at least 1/8” thick and it looked like it has a taper. It significantly changes the geometry of the axle. It lays back quite a bit. It even bent the washers behind the shocks. The truck apparently carried a lot of weight (it says GW 8000 on the side). If someone was trying to correct for a sagging rear end I would think they would have adjusted it the other way. I think I need to remove the shims and straighten the axle. Also is the pitman arm clocked somehow? And how do you get t off? Quote
Tooljunkie Posted July 28, 2021 Report Posted July 28, 2021 That is a steering correction. From my understanding, it is to help wheel returning to center and to help with wander at 60 mph. 1 Quote
kencombs Posted July 28, 2021 Report Posted July 28, 2021 That is a caster adjustment shim. Probably added to bring that measurement into spec. I wouldn't remove it without measuring the caster angle. Quote
Mertz Posted July 28, 2021 Author Report Posted July 28, 2021 Good to know. It sure looks like it was done on the farm. They will stay in place. Quote
Merle Coggins Posted July 28, 2021 Report Posted July 28, 2021 Yes, the pitman arm needs to be clocked correctly on the shaft. A couple of center punch marks will help with realignment when reinstalling. And you’ll need a pitman arm puller to get it off. Quote
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