Getting rid of darting and wandering.

[hemi43]

I thought I would post this up in hopes of helping someone else with the same issues.
My truck has been working flawlessly since I finished it, but I never liked the way it went down the road. It liked to dart and wander a bit, so you really had to pay attention to keep it going straight. It wasn't so bad to make it dangerous, but just didn't feel comfortable. Since this is my first Blazer, I just figured that's the way they were because of the short 104" wheelbase.

Yesterday I decided to figure out a way to tame it down a bit. I machined tapered shims to give me a bit more caster, and just took it out for a test drive.
Holy crap, it's like a new vehicle !! It still feels like a solid axle truck, but 90% of the darting and wandering is gone. It's amazing what 2 little shims will do.
I made them from 3/8 thick aluminum, and they measure 2 1/2 X 4 1/2. I machined a 3 degree taper on them, and now have a total of between 6 to 6 1/2 degrees of positive camber. I had put 1/4" of toe on it, but will try and reduce that a bit so I don't wear out my tires prematurely.
Dan

[67Steven]

Congrats on getting it to drive better. It is amazing what some caster can do!

If it were me, I'd make them out of steel or purchase steel units. I had aluminum shims that I needed to change for a different degree. Pulled out the aluminum that had less than 500 miles- one came out in two pieces, the other was stressed cracked and failing.

Mine were most likely cast and not billet, so maybe you'll be fine? I have read you need to stay on top of the aluminum shims, they wear quickly and may allow the axle to shift.

[hemi43]

I wanted to make them out of steel, but had no 3/8 X 2 1/2 stock on hand. I really just wanted to prove the concept, and aluminum is a lot quicker to machine. I'll get some next week.

[chastain90]

Will you start selling some of these?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by chastain90

Will you start selling some of these?

Not planning on it !!
Tapered shims are available through 4X4 outlets, so it's nothing new. Living in Canada is a PITA shipping stuff across the border.

[chastain90]

o ok. I'll check it out. Thanks

[ClassicStyle]

Did the same thing to my last 72.

Amazing what proper geometry will do, I must of argued with everyone I know that this is the problem and this is what it needs

[chastain90]

Is something like this what your talking about?
https://www.wfoconcepts.com/pr/4-0-D...3225/4383/3227

Could you post pics of yours?

[hemi43]

Originally Posted by chastain90

Is something like this what your talking about?
https://www.wfoconcepts.com/pr/4-0-D...3225/4383/3227

Could you post pics of yours?

Yup, that's all they are. Nothing fancy, but they work. Mine are already installed, so all you can see is the side of the wedge. I'll make some from steel next week and I'll post a pic of those.
Dan

[IronCanine]

Brilliant.

[ochre 72]

great info. thanks