Leaf spring shims/pinion angle ?

[Roughbird72]

How much shim would be too much to be safe?

 

[66Satellite47]

I don't go more than 4*. Be sure to check the center bolt engagement.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

I have to agree with what 66Satellite47 said. He's absolutely correct about making sure that center bolt (pin on springs that locates into spring perches) is long enough with the shim in there. I've only run up to 3-degrees, but 4-degrees sounds totally reasonable.

 

[Roughbird72]

I may have to cut the perches off this new Moser 60.
My rough measurement has the pinion up 4°
I have never had to use more than a 2° shim in the past.

 

[dvw]

Most Mopar pinion C/L to perch are 5 degrees up from the factory (measuring the axle housing loose out of the car). Is this how you are measuring? The perch to the pinion? If so it may be very close. If it's 4 degrees up in the car, what is the trans C/L angle? I'm assuming you are measuring with the wheels on the ground if it's an in car measurement.
Doug

 

[Sixpactogo]

I read an article written by Rick Ehrenberg stating that a pinion angle requiring more than 3 degrees should have the perches cut off and re-welded. I think he knows what he is talking about but errs on the side of caution too. I agree with 66Satellite on the no more than 4 degrees. I have a 4 degree shim in my 68 Charger and it gave me pause. The center pin is at its limit and the U bolts still provide a couple threads beyond the nuts. No issues so far.
If you plan on racing or some heavy duty abuse on your car. I would get the torch out.

 

[66Satellite47]

I shoot for pinion 3-4* nose down relative to crank centerline. Pinion nose swings up under acceleration.

 

[Fizz66Coronet]

I just took out 4 degree shims out of my Coronet. I had changed my springs and the shims worked great. Waiting on my S60 they just took the $ out of my account today.

 

[33 IMP]

Check out Dvw's post, #84 in the thread "what's everyone working on in the offseason." Elegant simple solution.

 

[Roughbird72]

Most Mopar pinion C/L to perch are 5 degrees up from the factory (measuring the axle housing loose out of the car). Is this how you are measuring? The perch to the pinion? If so it may be very close. If it's 4 degrees up in the car, what is the trans C/L angle? I'm assuming you are measuring with the wheels on the ground if it's an in car measurement.
Doug

No Doug, housing mounted in the car and it is on stands.
I was was just doing a rough once over with the original driveshaft(not bolted to yoke) and an angle finder. I was curious as to max "safe" degree wedge, because I have never used more than a 2°. I'll have to wait to get the new driveshaft made and put the car on the ground. Spring perches are cheap, so it's just a matter of an afternoon's work.

 

[dvw]

No Doug, housing mounted in the car and it is on stands. Spring perches are cheap, so it's just a matter of an afternoon's work.

Agreed, if you can weld I'd just cut them. We now weld tabs at the perch ends to the housing as gussets. I've cut mote than a few off myself.
Doug

 

[Roughbird72]

With a 4° shim, the leaf springs mounted in lower hole of the front brackets and the weight of the car on all 4 corners I ended up with 5.5° negative angle.

 

[383man]

I shoot for pinion 3-4* nose down relative to crank centerline. Pinion nose swings up under acceleration.

I like the same 3 to 4 down on my street/strip leaf spring car. But it also depends on the rear suspension of course where ladder bar and other suspensions will be different. Ron

 

[oldkimmer]

With a 4° shim, the leaf springs mounted in lower hole of the front brackets and the weight of the car on all 4 corners I ended up with 5.5° negative angle.

What is ur trans angle like. Up/down/zero? U need that measurement also, then add or subtract the difference. Kim