Steering Knuckle Shims

[scheinerj]

Hi all,
I am getting ready to shim my knuckles and was wondering if I have to put the same shim size on top, as I do on the bottom. And obviously if I remove one from the top, I remove the same size shim from the bottom as well?

Is it best to start with the full shim pack and reduce from there?

I checked the TM but I wasn't completely sure.

It also spoke of an outer oil seal which I feel like I do not have?


THnaks!
js

[Joe Gopan]

Note the shape of the shims, they all have 3 Bolt Holes and are sandwiched between the top of the steering gear housing and the housing end cover.
Note the illustration (Figure 91) on Page 113 TM9-1803B.

[dpcd67]

He means the spindle housing, spindle bearing cap on the bottom, and the spindle arm. Look in your TM9-1803B page 79-83. It will tell you to put "one of each size" (.048) on top and three on bottom, then remove or add, as necessary to get the turning torque specified.

[Joe Gopan]

I'm glad that there are some on G-503 who know how to read plain English, today ain't my day. Sorry 'bout that.
It helps to have a micrometer in order to help tweak the preload by selecting the best combination of shim thicknesses. A micrometer takes away any guesswork when it comes to selecting thickness.

[dinof]

And I would recommend you getting around 12-16 pounds of pull instead of the TM saying 5-6. Make sure you pack a liberal amount of grease especially on the top kingpin bearing.

[Joe Gopan]

And remember, the preload is on a one-way trip, due to normal wear.

[dpcd67]

I always wondered why, the Dodge system has bronze bearings on top and rollers on the bottom. Seems to be a built in dampening system. But jeeps have rollers top and bottom, which tend to move and wear, then wiggle, more freely. I think the Dodge design is better.

[dpcd67]

Dodges are not spring loaded and they never fail. You simply adjust the turn tension just like on a jeep, but the bronze on top has a dampening effect.

[Joe Gopan]

Dodge Steering Knuckles do require the same attention and PM as do the other MV's with similar construction.

[dpcd67]

Of course; but I still think the bronze top bearing is better at dampening the rotation of the knuckle than two bearings. Since Chrysler/Dodge was ahead of everyone else in the design and engineering of vehicles back then, I think they were on the right track. IE, a worn two bearing system will want to turn more easily (not in a good way) than a worn one roller bearing design.
I have rebuilt several of both types. Just my observation.

[Joe Gopan]

The WC Set up is a better set up provided the Steering Knuckles get the specified PM. The Solid brass Bearing offers more surface contact area than the Tapered Roller Bearing, a much more efficient set up. IH Scout 80 had the same set up and I used to set up M-38 and M-38A1 Jeeps using the brass Scout upper cone and the Scout upper bearing cap.

[KiwiMB]

When setting up your preload, install the bottom king pin with out shims and snug up the nuts. Now install the top king pin with out shims but with a piece of resin core solder or lead wire where the shim would be installed. Make up the nuts as evenly as you can until you get the required torque on the bearings. Remove the top king pin and measure the thickness of the (now crushed) solder/lead wire. This is the dimension for your shim pack. Always put the same thickness of shims under the top and bottom king pins to ensure the spindle is centralised thus reducing wear on your CV knuckle joints.

Cheers

Ian

[Joe Gopan]

Clever idea, seen it done.

[KiwiMB]

Isn't it time you were in bed Joel???? Its 5.00pm on this side of the world, heaven knows what time it is at your house

[Joe Gopan]

Tis midnite, and I'm just getting cranked up. Just came in from giving my dog an armed escort while she took a leak. Spotted a Coyote sneaking around.
Keep up the good maintenance tips.