Have added rear alignment shims before to correct rear geometry of our caravan.

However now I am in a position where the side I already added an alignment
shim to several years ago which brought it into spec needs a little more. Now I need another .5 degree.

Do I ADD ANOTHER SHIM to the existing one or try to figure out just using ONE shim ?

If so how would I figure out what degree shim I need when the alignment specs I was given was with the existing shim in place. I must be missing somethin but can't figure this part out ?

I have the Dodge recommended pusher tool for this operation and highly recommend it over the torch and BFH the dealer and others use to beat things apart when doing this operation. My way won't damage the bearing.

Appreciate your help,
Thanks.

 

What year is your van? And does it have drum brakes?

 

00 and yes it is drum. How would that affect anything ?

 

Anybody ?

 

Sounds to me that your rear bearing might be on it's way out. I would replace it, then recheck the alignment before adding more Band Aids.

 

no bearings issues at all. adding shims to align the rear is common to all front drive vehicles.

Nobody had to align the rear end more than once ?

 

These Uni-bodies flex all over the place so I'm not surprised that you have to reshim. I'm not familiar with your vans' suspension geometry but some math could solve you problem. I assume your talking toe and not camber?

 

Actually it is toe. The original shim markings wore off. The specs I have are with the old shim in place. Looks like I am just going to add another shim and drive on cause nobody has had to do this before.................ahem....right.

 

Mines brand new so, no I have not had to do it yet. Sorry I can't help.

 

Sorry, I have been busy. You would need to get the shims from the Hunter Alignment company, because mopar buys the shims from them. Here are the specs.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATIONS
NOTE: All specifications are given in degrees.

NOTE: All wheel alignments are to be set at curb height. Refer to CURB HEIGHT MEASUREMENT in SERVICE PROCEDURES.

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER - -
All vehicles except those with tire sizes P205/75R 15, P215/65R 16 and P215/60R 17 +0.15° -0.25° to +0.55°
Vehicles with tire sizes P205/75R 15, P215/65R 16 and P215/60R 17 +0.05° -0.35° to +0.45°
Cross Camber (Maximum side-to-side difference) 0.0° 0.50°
CASTER* +1.40° +0.40° to +2.40°
Cross Caster (Maximum side-to-side difference) 0.0° 1.00°
TOTAL TOE** +0.10° \-0.10° to +0.30°
Maximum side-to-side difference 0.0° 0.06°
REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT PREFERRED SETTING ACCEPTABLE RANGE
CAMBER* 0.0° -0.25° to +0.25°
ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES ONLY* -0.10° -0.35° to +0.15°
TOTAL TOE* ** 0.0° \-0.40° to +0.40°
THRUST ANGLE* 0.0° -0.30° to +0.30°
Notes:
* For reference only. These are non-adjustable angles.
** TOTAL TOE is the sum of both left and right wheel toe settings. TOTAL TOE must be equally split between each front wheel to ensure the steering wheel is centered after setting toe. Positive toe is toe-in and negative toe is toe-out