Rubicon Express Leaf
Spring Degree Shims
If you have a leaf
sprung Jeep and ever used degree shims to adjust
your axles have probably used aluminum shims (or
wedges). If you have used the aluminum
ones you probably have seen what they look like
over time and have listened to them squeak,
creak, and clunk.
 The
jeepfan.com 78 CJ-5 has had several sets of
aluminum shims over the years. The rear
axle seems particularly good at destroying
shims.
Recently we
learned that Rubicon Express makes leaf spring
degree shims that are made from steel and
integrate into the leaf spring rather than just
float around the spring center pin.
Installation of
the wedges is pretty straight forward, in this
article we are installing the shims in the rear.
Raise the Jeep
and remove the weight from the rear axle by
properly supporting the Jeep by the frame
allowing the axle to fully drop.
Disconnect the
bottom of the shocks, remove the u-bolts, and
lower spring plates.
 Since
we were changing an axle this Jeep's rear was
completely removed but is not always necessary.
Raise the axle enough to allow access to the
spring center pin. Use a clamp to hold the
spring pack together and remove the spring
center pin.
Since the old
center pin was very worn (right) and cut a new
set was purchased.
 Jeeps
can use two different size center pins so make
sure you know the size before purchase.
This Jeep used the 5/16 size.
Use a drift pin
to re-align the spring pack if needed and place
the new shim on the spring. Install the
center bolt through the shim and spring.
Tighten the bolt and place the axle back on the
shim. Repeat the procedure on bolt sides.
new shim and center
pin installed
If
the Jeep did not have shims it may be necessary
to install new u-bolts. It's a good idea
to install new ones anyway if yours are aged.
Since we replaced an old set of shims our
u-bolts were the correct length and were
re-used.
Complete the install by reinstalling the u-bolt
plates, u-bolts, and reattach the shocks.
Properly tighten the u-bolts and recheck
tightness after 100 miles or less.
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