This is the only thing keeping me from getting my axle finished. It's out of an 85 pickup. I put the stock shims back on the steering knuckle and only get 5-7lbs of drag. The felt isn't bolted to the back side, and I don't have the axle shafts in the axle housing (I didn't think you were supposed to?) What do I need to do to get 12-15lbs of drag? Or is 5-7 fine? All parts on this axle now are Trail-Gear. They also sent a shim kit with their knuckle rebuild kit.

 

Still waiting for a correct answer on shimming. I will be running 37" tires. I've been told to shoot for 15 lbs of drag. I've also been told to keep the amount of shims on top the same as the bottom, and I've been told differently to keep the stock shim on the bottom and only increase or decrease on the top. I'm sick and tired of ripping the steering arms back off, and I'd like a straight answer so I can get this thing put back together right

 

Honestly, I haven't checked the drag on one in years and just put the stock shims back on if reusing the stock knuckles. I go by feel and torque everythign to FSM specs. Never had an issue.

If you've upgraded to six shooter knuckles or somethign then you need to get it right.

:wabbit2:

 

I would take a shim out of the top and bottom if i was you. Bring that drag up a little bit more.

 

X2, thin out the shim stack a bit and that should do it:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...ld.shtml#Shims

 

Went from .04" on top and bottom on both sides with 5 lbs drag on passenger and 7 lbs on drivers,,, to .026" on passengers and .03" on drivers both with a perfect 15 lbs on each now. Thanks to Mr. 4Crawler for the quick and correct response on how to address this issue! You're a life saver!

To potentially save people some head ache, here is the list of shims that came with my Trail Gear knuckle rebuild kit. I think they should be the same for all kits.

.04"
.03"
.02"
.01"
.008"
.006"