Shim the upper control arm??????

Discussion in 'General Maverick/Comet' started by 55crownvic, Jun 5, 2017.

  1. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    Who has done this, and how well did it work?
     
  2. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    I shimmed my stock UCA last year to get the car's caster out to 3+ degrees specified by Borgeson to get the car tracking straight, be4 that it was hair-raising experience. I have 2- 1/8" shims on each arm; I have had no issues to date. The only reason I cud see adding shims is to get more caster cheaply. I have put approx. 2 K miles since shimming and no issues. I probably will check to make sure nuts are holding tight -- just for peace of mind...
     
  3. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    thanks for that mojo, did you have the car re-aligned after adding the shims, or just drive it? Have a friend that is trying to figure out why his car is all over the road, even after an alignment.
     
  4. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    I also have two 1/8" shims under front bolts on each side of mine, plus strut rods are adj to give max positive caster... No idea what actual settings are but it drives decent...

    Any change in caster or camber will throw toe in out of spec... I adj toe by using my Bear alignment board that measures toe in/out, as long as toe is close to spec there won't be a tire wear issue...

    Usually wondering /instability is caused by too much toe out and/or not enough positive caster...
     
  5. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

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    We also have a Borgeson PS unit on a 72 Maverick . We added a Quarter Inch steel shim and our caster is about three and a half degrees. Then we had it " Aligned " .. we recommend the alignment to insure everything up to specs. Car drives like it's on rails !
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
  6. tody

    tody Member

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    same here, had to add shims to get it to my preferred spec. when you add shims, you will definitely need an alignment.
     
  7. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    did you take out the spring or just loosen the a arm bolt and slide the shims in?
     
  8. COMETIZED

    COMETIZED Member

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    Hi Crownvic:
    We shimmed the Maverick when it was being disassembled and the spring wasn't in place at the time.
    Cometized
    (Chip)
     
  9. rthomas771

    rthomas771 Member

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    60-65 Falcons use shims on the upper control arm as do 65-66 Mustangs. No need to remove spring to install shims. On a side note...they also have more threads sticking through the shock tower.

    UCAshims.jpg
     
  10. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    g
    That's interesting to know Falcons/Stangs had shims in A-arms. I had no idea Ford used shims in 60's era cars.
    A lot easier installing shims in many GM suspensions of the same era. I appreciate the fact they can be installed from under the hood instead of fender well.
     
  11. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    I loosened both nuts and pried the arm assembly away from shock tower till they fit(wire or tie shims together)... Tightened it all back in place...

    There should be enough threads to allow for two shims and still tighten nut fully..
     
  12. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    just got it done, without removing the springs, was very hesitant tho. Only had enuff threads for one 1/8" shim on both front bolts. Wasnt comfy enuff to try 1/4" . Will try and drive it tomorrow and see if just that much helped.
     
  13. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    Are you putting these shims on a Maverick/Comet? W/ stock arms I have a few threads protruding from the nuts; probably cud have got another 1/16" shim w/o discomfort.
     
  14. 55crownvic

    55crownvic Member

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    This is a 70 mav, were not enuff threads to go 1/4".
     
  15. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    Did you shim both front & rear??

    Shims to increase positive caster are only added to front on each side...
     

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