K20 Suspension question
 

Hi Folks, I have a 71 K20 pickup that I am installing new front springs. I have seen several exploded diagrams of the front suspension. The diagrams show a spacer between the spring pad and on top of the spring underneath the mounting block. My new springs centering bolt head is to short to use a spacer with. I suppose I could get a longer one. There wasn't a spacer on either side of the spring pack when I removed it. The local spring shop that sold me the springs states that I don't need them. The only thing I can think of is they are used to adjust the ride height or they are shims to set the caster. Any ideas? Thanks, Jack

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

Caster shim would be my thought. My truck has them

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

Well, I ordered them. I will see what shows up. If they are shims, I wonder what the factory shim size was? I can't find it any where. I guess I will have to put it on the alignment rack and se what I have for caster and go from there. Nice looking vette by the way. I had a 66 convertible also Nasa Blue. I did a frame off on it up in Vermont back in the late 80's. Unfortunately I let it go. I wish now I still owned it. It was a beautiful car. A guy from the Carolina's bought it for His Grand Daughters graduation. I hope She could appreciate all the blood sweat and tears that went into that car. Which engine do you have in that?

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

Yes you are correct find out where your caster is without any shims and then shim if it is needed. Lots of times they aren’t needed in my experience.

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

I've never known a K/20, or K/10, to come from factory with a spacer or a shim. I have never had to add a shim. Chances are real good your's won't need them either. Got any diagram pictures to show what you think is a spacer? Could it be the nylon anti-squeek pad, about as thick as a piece of paper? They are usually shot and I just toss them. I have noticed no ill effect from them being gone. I figure if they were needed the spring companies would supply them.

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

I'm sure it is a castor shim. I haven't received it yet. The truck went down the road pretty straight before I took it apart. I won't know if I need to adjust the caster until it's done and I can get it on an alignment rack. That will be a while. But I will post what I find. Thanks for the input Guys, Cheers

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

I have never had a shim in any of my trucks. I have thrown away the nylon anti-squeak pads that Tim mentioned......

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

I'm curious: are those anti-squeak pads available and is it really important to use brand new U-bolts whenever the old u-bolts are loosened or removed?

Edit- similar product: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Flat-...ners,7471.html

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

Reference photo

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

That's the nylon Tim and I were talking about. ....

Re: K20 Suspension question
 

Well my shim's showed up. They are not caster shims but four, what I guess are, anti squeak pads. Don't waste your money.