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Sun Jun 29, 2008 10:56 pm

Hello Guys,

I have to install new link pins on my 6 over KP beam. I was in a hurry the last time and installed stock link pins. i would like to install the higher grade link pins that are longer than the stock ones. These are the ones that are threaded on the trailing arm end with a plastic insert lock nut. When using this type of link pin is it a good idea to install the link pin shims? I currently have tweeds longer wider trailing arms with torsion leafs. Also how many shims would you guys use? Right now I have 2 shims on each end of the link pin
Thank Guys
Bob In Chula Vista

Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:01 pm

the shims are meant to be used for camber adjustment. Use whatever it takes to get the camber set correctly.

Sun Jun 29, 2008 11:11 pm

Yes... You should still use the shims. I set mine up according to the VW manual to get the camber correct. I won't address exactly how to set them up here, but I will say (from experience) that you need to throw the lock nuts that come with them in the trash. They WILL come off, and it can wreak havoc on your suspension when they do. Go to your local hardware store and buy two thin hardened nuts and double nut them on instead!

Mon Jun 30, 2008 8:20 am

The is a ration of shims to use according to what years LINK PIN front end is..... I thing there is like a total of 8 shims required on each pin, the numbers on each side of link vary according to what camber you are desiring. Other year require a total of 10 shims, again placement depends of camber....

UPDATE:.... 1959 and earlier require 10 shims, 1960 and later require 8 shims... Usually a link pin rebuild kit will have 40 shims in it.

As "57baja" says, get hold of VW manual and setup according to "specification"

Dale

Sat Jul 05, 2008 11:03 pm

Is this the recommend link pin reamer for the job?

http://www.mcmaster.com/param/asp/PSearch2.asp?req...Width=1440

.6875 to about .740

Ken

Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:41 pm

So I have a question that is related.. I have a 57 Oval with a 6in Narrowed Beam. I recently picked up that Wide Five Disc Brake Kit with drop spindles, from CB Performance. After having the King Pins pressed in to the new drop spindle/Steering Knuckle assembly at a local shop. I was advised to go ahead and replace the old link pins with a new set. So after getting everything back home I go and Measure the offset between the Trailing Arms (using the ruler method) and I have .5 mm on the Passenger side and 1 mm on the Drivers Side. I am almost certain that my measurement is right.. Is this Possible? The chart starts at 5 mm and goes to 9 mm. The only thing that I could find relating to this situation is to think that the trailing arm is bent.. But I am 99.9 percent that the arms are straight.. It rode fine with the drum brake kit on it and nothing was hit in the mean time, normal Tire Wear, steering ect.. Does Narrowing the beam this much change the offset of the trailing arm? I am a little stumped on how many shims should be used on the link pins. I have the 10 shim set up being as my ride is pre 1960. Oh and BTW I buy this whole kit From the guys at CB Performance and no INSTRUCTIONS, I know my way around a front suspension pretty well but instructions would have been nice..
Anyone out there ever seen this issue?
Any advice would be greatly helpful.. :?

Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:45 pm

I forgot to mention that these measurements were made with the car on Jack Stands with the assembly all taken apart, spindle, link pins ect already removed. If that makes a difference.

Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:51 am

Be absolutely sure your torsion leave are properly anchored in center with grub screw completely seated... Also for trailing arms....

IF there is any "difference" it may have come into effect during narrowing process of beams or torsion leaves (if not factory done) or slight irregularity in trailing arms...... Anyway best solution is to just work around any discrepancy and try to place shims in a way to give proper camber angles....

Dale

Fri Sep 11, 2009 6:29 pm

So.. Considering that the beam is made correctly, it was made by Franklins up here in Washington. They make a good beam, so I doubt that there is anything wrong with it.. And Considering that my torsion leaves and trailing arms are bolted in correctly. AND that the trailing arms are not bent. is having that small of an offset a bad thing? I am just wondering how to know if I have the shims stacked right on the link pins. Is this just a trial and error process on knowing if your camber is correct??

Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:49 pm

Dale M. wrote: The is a ration of shims to use according to what years LINK PIN front end is..... I thing there is like a total of 8 shims required on each pin, the numbers on each side of link vary according to what camber you are desiring. Other year require a total of 10 shims, again placement depends of camber....

The desired camber should be stock, if you get anything else you have a problem somewhere. The shims are there to take up the play between the top and bottom bushings and provide a bearing surface.