S-10 Forum is the resource on GM S-series trucks, Suspension, engine information, Body Modifications, painting tutorials.  Modifications to suit every need, budget and whim

SD UCA shims


Go Back   S-10 Forum > Suspension Tech > Baggin' It

GM, SUV, Trucks, Nascar, Racing, Sport Utility, S10Forum.com

 
LinkBack Thread Tools
Old 11-06-2009, 05:05 PM   #1
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
SD UCA shims

Does anybody have a good guess on how many shims I should use on the upper control arms? (Suicide Doors arms)

Of course, I should get an alignment to get it completely correct, but while I am still mocking everything up, I want to get the camber somewhat close to what it should be to make sure everything fits right. I know I will be tearing it apart again for paint before I get a final alignment.
Old 11-06-2009, 05:41 PM   #2
Laying hard on zq8s!
 
colbye32's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 1,699
Location: Conyers Ga
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

when you remove the factory arms or whatever your running now, put the same amount back in just like they came out.. it will be close, but you don't need to drive it long like that, you can wear your tires very quickly
Old 11-06-2009, 05:46 PM   #3
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

I wouldnt run any shims at all to be honest. It will get a lot more of neg camber. If your not really going to be driving it, you can eyeball the toe on it. Or use a long string tie it to the back of your wheel, wrap it around and pull it out really far. (farther the better) When you do this make sure the string is just barley touching the front of the tire (if you were sitting in the truck point of view). Do this to both wheels and measure the distance between the strings.
Old 11-06-2009, 05:57 PM   #4
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by Geat
I wouldnt run any shims at all to be honest. It will get a lot more of neg camber. If your not really going to be driving it, you can eyeball the toe on it. Or use a long string tie it to the back of your wheel, wrap it around and pull it out really far. (farther the better) When you do this make sure the string is just barley touching the front of the tire (if you were sitting in the truck point of view). Do this to both wheels and measure the distance between the strings.
Thanks for your input.

No shims would give me less negative camber.

I took the shims out three years ago and lost the piece of paper that I wrote it on.
So I just want to get it back in the ballpark. Right now I'm only running a couple shims and it is definitely not enough negative camber. I go positive right about where the tire is even with the fender. So I have less than 1/16 inch clearance.

This is on modified stock control arms. I'm just about to put the SD arms in and wanted to get it somewhat close to where it will be after an alignment.

I don't even plan on driving it until I go in for an alignment, but I have a lot of other work to do before then.

I just hope somebody who has the arms and has been aligned could tell me how many shims they are running.

Last edited by pearldrop : 11-06-2009 at 06:03 PM.
Old 11-06-2009, 06:16 PM   #5
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop
Thanks for your input.

No shims would give me less negative camber.

I took the shims out three years ago and lost the piece of paper that I wrote it on.
So I just want to get it back in the ballpark. Right now I'm only running a couple shims and it is definitely not enough negative camber. I go positive right about where the tire is even with the fender. So I have less than 1/16 inch clearance.

This is on modified stock control arms. I'm just about to put the SD arms in and wanted to get it somewhat close to where it will be after an alignment.

I don't even plan on driving it until I go in for an alignment, but I have a lot of other work to do before then.

I just hope somebody who has the arms and has been aligned could tell me how many shims they are running.
Yea, thats what I meant. Less camber with no shims.



I have no shims in mine, drop spindles. Front is not layd out yet though.
Old 11-06-2009, 06:22 PM   #6
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims



Went out in the garage and took this real quick. Locked up, UCA's hitting frame. Dustpan for camber reference.


Hope this helps ya.

Last edited by Geat : 11-06-2009 at 06:27 PM.
Old 11-06-2009, 06:37 PM   #7
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

If I was to take out the shims completely my tires would hit the fenders. When you bodydrop it, the fenders sit right at where the tire/wheel is most vertical.

I don't know how your caster is okay with no shims at all. The front bolt usually has more than the rear.

BTW: I love those wheels.
Old 11-06-2009, 06:54 PM   #8
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop
If I was to take out the shims completely my tires would hit the fenders. When you bodydrop it, the fenders sit right at where the tire/wheel is most vertical.

I don't know how your caster is okay with no shims at all. The front bolt usually has more than the rear.

BTW: I love those wheels.
Yea, the guy said it was alright where it was at. Im pretty damn close to the fenders right now because of spacers. I snag them all the time.
Old 11-06-2009, 08:56 PM   #9
PHAT JOE
 
blazerida88's Avatar
 
Age: 21
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,733
Location: birmingham alabama
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

if it mock up just throw enough in to clear the fenders, i just put my sd's on and im running 22's and i have to have a decent amount to clear the fenders and not hit them. i have drop spindles too.

mine have a good bit of camber and still just barely clear the fenders
Old 11-06-2009, 08:56 PM   #10
PHAT JOE
 
blazerida88's Avatar
 
Age: 21
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,733
Location: birmingham alabama
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

i am in mock up also though, i havent had it aligned
Old 11-06-2009, 09:01 PM   #11
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

I will probably just put enough in to clear the fenders. I just hope that I have enough clearance in my firewall tubs for the extra camber. I almost wish I had made my tubs bigger so I could run stock spindles.
Old 11-06-2009, 09:06 PM   #12
PHAT JOE
 
blazerida88's Avatar
 
Age: 21
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 5,733
Location: birmingham alabama
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop
I will probably just put enough in to clear the fenders. I just hope that I have enough clearance in my firewall tubs for the extra camber. I almost wish I had made my tubs bigger so I could run stock spindles.
yea i made my tubs pretty big, passenger side has a ton of room, and the driver side i tubbed it to be a couple inched from the brake pedal inside
Old 11-07-2009, 03:07 PM   #13
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by Geat
Yea, thats what I meant. Less camber with no shims.



I have no shims in mine, drop spindles. Front is not layd out yet though.
Do you have any idea what the hell you're even talking about? And.....you're 25 miles high in the air compared to a body drop. Totally different picture for starters.
Old 11-07-2009, 07:58 PM   #14
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis
Do you have any idea what the hell you're even talking about? And.....you're 25 miles high in the air compared to a body drop. Totally different picture for starters.
'

Where in his original post did he specify on a body dropped truck?

Please show me.



You fail yet again on trying to call me out. Good try though, better luck next time.

Last edited by Geat : 11-07-2009 at 07:59 PM.
Old 11-07-2009, 09:18 PM   #15
Registered User
 
Age: 25
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 429
Location:
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

a truck thay lays frame, is the same as a bodydropped truck as far as supsension is concerned
Old 11-08-2009, 12:26 PM   #16
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by mr. steve
a truck thay lays frame, is the same as a bodydropped truck as far as supsension is concerned
No shit............Exactly.
Old 11-08-2009, 12:28 PM   #17
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by Geat
'

Where in his original post did he specify on a body dropped truck?

Please show me.



You fail yet again on trying to call me out. Good try though, better luck next time.
Hope you posting an ass-hat for yourself. I follow with my original statement............ass-hat............do you know what the hell you're even talking about. Laying frame is laying frame, BD or not. You'll need shims sweetheart unless you want fvcked up tires.
Old 11-08-2009, 12:34 PM   #18
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

To the original Poster...........

I've got 2" drop spindles and 18's up front. I have probably 1/2" worth of shims on the fronts. When laid out it gives me about 4-5* of camber. When fully lifted the camber is zero'd out. You do have to watch your toe-in/toe-out during the suspension stroke. More toe-in when lifted, toe-out when laid.

For an alignment you can go the old school way and measure front/back wheel spacing of the front tires.

1) Straighten the steering wheels to center.
2) Pick the front tire that appears closest to "straight" in relation to the steering wheel.
3) Measure distance between tires from the front and rear aspect of the tire.
4) Adjust tie-rods till both front and back measurements are equal.
Old 11-08-2009, 01:21 PM   #19
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis
Hope you posting an ass-hat for yourself. I follow with my original statement............ass-hat............do you know what the hell you're even talking about. Laying frame is laying frame, BD or not. You'll need shims sweetheart unless you want fvcked up tires.
How am I going to need shims when I have my truck aligned at ride height? How is it going to fvck up my tires when it is aligned correctly at my ride height? Laying frame is laying frame body dropped or not yes, but what about fender clearances? That would be the only time you would need shims if you can get your truck aligned right with no shims in it.

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis
My apologies. Had a rough ass day yesterday. Dodge a huge layoff sucessfully and I was hair triggered. Sorry. Have a good one.
Go ahead and blame your thought process on your bad day at work. Maybe your anger has a detrimental affect on your english "you posting an ass-hat yourself?" What does this mean?

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop

This is on modified stock control arms. I'm just about to put the SD arms in and wanted to get it somewhat close to where it will be after an alignment.

I don't even plan on driving it until I go in for an alignment, but I have a lot of other work to do before then.

I just hope somebody who has the arms and has been aligned could tell me how many shims they are running.
Also do you even have sd.com control arms? Nick?

Last edited by Geat : 11-08-2009 at 01:26 PM.
Old 11-08-2009, 01:32 PM   #20
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by Geat
How am I going to need shims when I have my truck aligned at ride height? How is it going to fvck up my tires when it is aligned correctly at my ride height? Laying frame is laying frame body dropped or not yes, but what about fender clearances? That would be the only time you would need shims if you can get your truck aligned right with no shims in it.



Go ahead and blame your thought process on your bad day at work. Maybe your anger has a detrimental affect on your english "you posting an ass-hat yourself?" What does this mean?
Dude are you serious? You never get your ride height dialed in each time you jump in it that you are within the tolerance required for proper alignment. If you are able to hit the psi you aligned it at each time you lifted, I'm going to call bs. There is always that need to tip-tap each front to adjust it to track straight.

Seriously, if you couldn't figure that out vvvvvv, we got more problems then your fvcking advice.

"Hope you're posting an ass-hat for yourself"

In case you're slower than the rest.....This means if you're going to call someone an ass-hat.......don't be one yourself.

Jesus the fvcking young bucks these days.................fvcking amaze me.

Good luck..........Done with this shit.
Old 11-08-2009, 02:01 PM   #21
Registered User
 
Geat's Avatar
 
Age: 19
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,528
Location: Knoxville, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by NickZigaitis
Dude are you serious? You never get your ride height dialed in each time you jump in it that you are within the tolerance required for proper alignment. If you are able to hit the psi you aligned it at each time you lifted, I'm going to call bs. There is always that need to tip-tap each front to adjust it to track straight.

Seriously, if you couldn't figure that out vvvvvv, we got more problems then your fvcking advice.

"Hope you're posting an ass-hat for yourself"

In case you're slower than the rest.....This means if you're going to call someone an ass-hat.......don't be one yourself.

Jesus the fvcking young bucks these days.................fvcking amaze me.

Good luck..........Done with this shit.
Its called repetition. My front end is always +/- 3 PSI where I got it aligned at. Yes the height will change with temperature, but its called a bagged truck it will never be right. Just one of the trade offs of owning one.

Correct English is a plus, sorry if I understand your jibber jabber.

Sorry that I know what I'm talking about, dont blame it on my age.

Anyway back on topic, I tried to help you man. Its always an idiot that ruins it for the rest.

Last edited by Geat : 11-08-2009 at 02:02 PM.
Old 11-08-2009, 02:13 PM   #22
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims



You're an expert.............Forgot about that, lol

lol, "Sorry that I know what I'm talking about"
Old 11-08-2009, 02:37 PM   #23
Draggin Moderator
 
98layinframe's Avatar
 
Age: 28
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,154
Location: Pittsburgh Pa
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

I almost feel dumber for reading this argument... its physically impossible to have the truck within camber spec throughout the entire travel range with stock s10 front components.

Every time you hit the switch theres an extremely good chance your not truely within "spec" for your alignment. Yes as long as the truck was realigned at a certain height it will be close enough to spec that everything will work fine and track correctly. It may look correct with your eye, but i can bet ya if the truck was connected to the alignment table.. it would be way out.
Old 11-08-2009, 02:37 PM   #24
Registered User
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 453
Location: SoCal
User is: Online
Re: SD UCA shims

every ****in thread anymore, just a bunch of bitching.
Old 11-08-2009, 03:21 PM   #25
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Wow. I think this is why I've been on this site every day for 4 years, yet only have a few posts.

I appreciate everybody's help. But since I know running know shims isn't an option for me I will have to go with Nick's suggestion and try about 1/2 inch of shims.
I probably could have figured out what to use myself. It is a compromise between fender clearance and running to much negative camber.


I just wish I could figure out how many shims should be on the forward post versus the rear post to get the caster somewhat right.
Old 11-08-2009, 03:53 PM   #26
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop
Wow. I think this is why I've been on this site every day for 4 years, yet only have a few posts.

I appreciate everybody's help. But since I know running know shims isn't an option for me I will have to go with Nick's suggestion and try about 1/2 inch of shims.
I probably could have figured out what to use myself. It is a compromise between fender clearance and running to much negative camber.


I just wish I could figure out how many shims should be on the forward post versus the rear post to get the caster somewhat right.
The last I remember from research, a 1/8" thick shim equaled 1* of chamber change. I have 4 shims in per side and have about 4-5* of chamber.
Old 11-08-2009, 04:53 PM   #27
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Thanks Nick.
I just threw in the SD upper to see if it makes any difference in lift and I ended up with one inch less lift than my pie cut stocks.
But that is because they hit the brake line bracket and the stocks didn't.

So I hope I can gain more than an inch extra lift when I relocate it. That was the reason for trying the SD's anyway, to try and get some more lift.

I had 27 inches to the fender lip with the front locked up on 255/35/20s. So I don't have much room to turn.


On another note, I finally got to work on my bed yesterday so I want to show it off to somebody..
Attached Images
File Type: jpg bed pics 001.jpg (60.7 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg bed pics 002.jpg (57.4 KB, 28 views)
Old 11-08-2009, 05:07 PM   #28
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by pearldrop
Thanks Nick.
I just threw in the SD upper to see if it makes any difference in lift and I ended up with one inch less lift than my pie cut stocks.
But that is because they hit the brake line bracket and the stocks didn't.

So I hope I can gain more than an inch extra lift when I relocate it. That was the reason for trying the SD's anyway, to try and get some more lift.

I had 27 inches to the fender lip with the front locked up on 255/35/20s. So I don't have much room to turn.


On another note, I finally got to work on my bed yesterday so I want to show it off to somebody..
Damn man, the bed looks good. Got any more build pics on it? I'm about to start the body drop of the bed now.
Old 11-08-2009, 05:53 PM   #29
MiniTruckin Nerd
 
wirenut's Avatar
 
Age: 24
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 575
Location: Sumner
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

dang chris that bed work is beautiful i shoulda asked you for help on the blazer mine looks like a turd compared to that.
Old 11-08-2009, 06:16 PM   #30
workin it !
 
S10dude's Avatar

 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 11,029
Location: Sacramento,Ca.
User is: Online
Re: SD UCA shims

that bed is sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet
Old 11-08-2009, 06:57 PM   #31
Registered User
 
pearldrop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Location: Mount Vernon, WA
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Thanks guys. I have a bunch of pics but I haven't posted them anywhere yet.

I originally bodydropped the bed just like everybody else by cutting down the sides, but I was never happy with the way it looked, so I just kept cutting.

In the end I built a framework out of 3/4 x 3/4 square tubing and plated over that.
The only thing original now are the bedsides.

Last edited by pearldrop : 11-08-2009 at 06:59 PM.
Old 11-08-2009, 06:59 PM   #32
Registered User
 
Age: 18
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 7
Location: Rockwood, TN
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Geat, clean out your pm box
Old 11-09-2009, 02:44 AM   #33
Draggin Moderator
 
98layinframe's Avatar
 
Age: 28
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,154
Location: Pittsburgh Pa
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

wow yeah that bed is beautiful!

why dont you just raise your truck up about mid travel range... id guess about 4" from the ground ride height, and set your camber at that height. Just go until the wheel is at 90*. that will give you an idea where to go from there with the shims.
Old 11-09-2009, 10:57 AM   #34
I Like Fire....HaHaHa
 
NickZigaitis's Avatar
 
Age: 79
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,868
Location: God Damn Garage, STL
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

Quote: Originally Posted by 98layinframe
wow yeah that bed is beautiful!

why dont you just raise your truck up about mid travel range... id guess about 4" from the ground ride height, and set your camber at that height. Just go until the wheel is at 90*. that will give you an idea where to go from there with the shims.
Bingo...........Thats exactly what I did.

If you take accurate dimensions on the camber and alignment, you won't need to get an alignment from a shop. I've got enough painted stuff under the hood that I'm not having a tool dropping moron touch my shit. But that just me. Manual alignments went on for yearrrrrrs before electronic stuff came out
Old 11-09-2009, 11:33 AM   #35
Low Class
 
JohnnyDigits's Avatar
 
Age: 29
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 218
Location: NC
User is: OffLine
Re: SD UCA shims

I have two .16 and two .32 shims in both front posts and one .16 and two .32 shims in the rear posts. I'm runnin 18's, SD arms, drop spindles and layin frame if that makes any difference. I set my truck to desired ride height and put a bunch in and kept removing them until I was good. I haven't taken it to a shop with fancy alignment tools, I measured it the olskool way with a string and chalk marks. I haven't had any tire wear problems in the past 1000 or so miles.



Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:26 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.2.0
SEO by vBSEO
vBulletin Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Page generated in 0.61574 seconds with 32 queries
[Output: 171.59 Kb. compressed to 157.87 Kb. by saving 13.72 Kb. (8.00%)]