1953 f-100 front end

F

flathead 53

Well-known member
Replaced front leaf springs on my 53 ,bought springs from MAC , removed old springs noticed no shims on axle, also mac does not mention shims in catalog. I looked through mid fiftys catalog and they carry shims 2 degree and 4 degree. do I need these shims? Also while driving if I hit couple of bumps front end shakes a little.
 
I have a 53 F-100 also. I had a severe bump steer after rebuilding the front end. New king pins, drag link, tie rods, springs ect... I tried 2, and 4 degrees. The 4 degree worked better, but switching to radial tires cured was the fix. Death wobble @ 60 mph on the highway is not fun. Also, check and make sure the steering box is tightly mounted to the frame. I have the toe set at 1/8".
 
Before switching to a Mustang 2 front end ,I used 4 degree shims in the stock front end .I would guess it all depends on what shape it is in to begin with .
 
Hello, I had Sid in oklahoma drop my stock f1 axle, he recommended using 6 degree caster shims as ford axles have zero caster and need some sort of caster shim. I followed his advice. Then played with the toe in at different settings and ended up at 1/32 or so toe in.I'm running old bias ply tires. Drives great.
 
On these parallel leaf axles, the shackles must be good and tight too. Any wear and you'll have fun going down the interstate!
 
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