Axle shims. Zinc vs steel.

Hello TW,

I installed ATS Leaf Springs with 2.5”’s of lift on my ‘15 DCSB 4.0. I had take-off vibe (even before with aal) so I installed a carrier bearing drop kit + 1/4” washer and it was greatly reduced.
I also have a slight hum between 65-75 mph which goes away when not accelerating. I don’t feel it but I can hear it. I don’t know if this can become an issue. From what I’ve read this needs to remedied at the axle, not the carrier bearing.

So, I want to purchase center pins, pin head lengtheners and steel axle shims.
Aluminum tends to get crushed after a while. I spoke to Toytec and Wheelers yesterday and they don’t carry them in steel.

@Toytec Lifts
and @HeadStrong Off-Road do carry Zinc axle shims.

Anyone here running either of the shims pictured here? Any issues? Are the zinc ones strong enough to not get crushed over time like aluminum?

I also like the ease of replacement with the zinc ones. Just not sure how they’ll hold up.

Thank you.

 

I've had the zinc ones from Headstrong on for a few years now without any issues.

 

I went with steel because I wanted 2 degrees. However, I really don’t think you can crush aluminum or zinc shims.

 

I could be mistaken, but I would assume these are zinc-coated steel (aka galvanized) and not pure zinc, which is quite brittle.

 

Awesome! Good to know.
Thank you.

I thought the same but I’ve read/heard that aluminum is not recommended for this application.

I had to look that up. Hahaha. You’re right, zinc is brittle. Hopefully they are zinc-coated steel. I’ll reach out to Headstrong today as soon as I have a moment. Thank you.

 

I ordered from @HeadStrong Off-Road
The shims are zinc-plated steel.
Thank you all for your input.

 

When inserting the HeadStrong Off-Road shims did any of you find that you NEEDED the pin extenders? I just installed a dobinsons 111-R leaf pack in the back and I don't remember how long the center pin protrudes. @Crikeymike

 

I would keep an extra set of 3/8 center pins on hand just in case. They usually get cut down with a grinder, you can get the nut off but might not get it back on with out something to clean up the threads.

 

Look at the pics below. I feel that they're needed. The shim pictured is 3 degrees. I ended up going with 2 degrees but my point is that with the center pin collars and an axle shim as thick as 3 degrees there is still plenty of center-pin-head exposed to go into the leaf spring perch hole.

I have an extra set of center pins & collars as well. Good idea.