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#1 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: indiana
Posts: 48
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2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
1st does anyone know what the thickness is of the F shims?
I see that each side takes 2 F shims, I'm sure I could use any shim but I'm guessing the fenders are a set gap of 2 shims when the inner is installed? not just a random spacing? 2nd I swapped a '85 square body power steering box into a '72 c20. works good about 1 3/4 turn lock to lock. but the turning radius is very wide now. I have to Y turn to get into my shop where prior i didnt have to. what am I missing? or is it normal? thanks. |
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#2 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,483
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
Quote:
I think the shims are about 3/16, maybe a little thinner. I would have to look in the morning to be sure. Each truck is different and if you change inner panels it may not take the same number as before. Some trucks don't have any, some trucks have one, some have two, and some trucks are different side to side. It just depends on the sheet metal fit. For those of you that are not familiar with the "F" shims see picture below. They go between the rear of the front inner panel and the cab, where the 9/16 bolt with the LARGE washer is. They are about 4 1/2 inches long by 1 3/4 inches wide +/-. Not sure on the steering box. Did you use the original cross link? Which pitman arm did you use? You might want to measure the length of both pitman arms to see if they are the same. LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - Last edited by LockDoc; 03-31-2020 at 12:32 AM. |
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#3 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: indiana
Posts: 48
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
thank you. leon,
I cant remember when we took it apart but since I cant find any of the shims I'm guessing it didnt have any. but now back together with different fenders and new inner fenders I have a big gap . I didnt crank the bolt down to see if it would tighten I just assumed I needed them. I'll just do what it needs. steering I used everything 72. except the box its self. I'll check the pitman arm lengths. didnt think about that being different. other weird thing is when I jack it up both front wheels toe out. i set the toe with a tape measure and everything is centered, not aligned yet but i never noticed any other vehicle do that before. it is lowered. |
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#4 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,483
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
Quote:
How did you lower it, and how much? I wouldn't think that would make the turning radius less but I don't know a lot about lowered trucks. If you used dropped spindles maybe the steering stops on the spindles are different than the originals. I know there are different ratio boxes but I think the overall travel lock to lock would still be the same. Leon
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#5 |
Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: indiana
Posts: 48
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
2.5 inch spindle and a 3 inch spring.
there are no stops. I looked tonight and nothing positive on the lower control arm that contacts the spindle. but I do t think the stockers had 1 either. checking into the pitman arm I think the original is 1/8 shorter then the 1 that was on the box I swapped in. Unfortunately I tossed it. so I'm thinking that 1/8 at the box could be a lot out at the tire. maybe? also I think bump steer is what is pulling the tires out when I lift it. I may have a issue there? |
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#6 | |
The Older Generation
![]() ![]() ![]() Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Montezuma, Iowa
Posts: 25,483
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
Quote:
Yeah, like I said I don't know much about drops. That sounds like a lot for the front though. 1/8" doesn't sound like much but it could make quite a bit of difference. Maybe others with drop experience will chime in on this..... LockDoc
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Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 - |
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#7 | |
Senior Member
![]() Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Falls City, Nebraska "100 Miles From Nowhere"
Posts: 2,219
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Re: 2 questions 1972 steering swap and F shims
Quote:
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Michael of the clan Hill, "Two Seventy Two's" 71 1-ton Dually 350 4-Speed 71 C/50 Grain Truck, 350 Split-Axle 4-Speed 02 3/4 ton Express 14 Indian Chief Vintage 1952 Ford 8N, "Only Ford Allowed On The Property" ![]() "Be American, Buy American" ![]() |
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