Topic: knuckle shim question

[yota-tota]

ok i think i need to tighten the pre-load on my top knuckle bearings since it seems real loose. If i pull the top hysteer arms and take the shim out then tighten is all back down will i have to get at the bottom shims as well? Or would just changing the top solve my problem.

[79coyotefrg]

remove the top thin shim  then check if its better  or ok,  thats all you need to do,  but  it might not be a bad idea to inspect the bearings  in case  they went bad
but yea  you can remove a thin from the top

[RRMike]

x2  I've heard people say to take even numbers top and bottom but I think the bottom shims are what center the knuckle on the axle housing to keep your axle aligned in the seal and the top ones are for adjusting preload.

I'm not an expert but I think that's the way it works.

[Marlin]

From the factory, the total shim preload is measured and than divided between the top and lower steering arms.

I always try to keep it equal, but will put the thinner shims on the top so they can be removed at a later date.

As long as you have the extra thick shims, one on the top and the other one on the bottom, it really isn't going to mean much after that.

If the shims were all on one side, i would expect the inner axle seal to leak quicker.

Be very careful to get the 12-15 lbs knuckle perload and adjust your toe in to at least 1/8 of an inch.