The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 47-59 1957 Chev 1/2 ton front axle

SideStepper · 12-07-2021, 02:11 PM

Good observation & good question.
The axle needs to be installed with the blind holes pointing towards the rear of the truck. The 2 blind holes (1/4" dia. approx.) in the axle are location holes for the caster tapered shims. The shims have a locator "pin" (bump) on the ticker end of the taper & correctly mates & positions them on the axle. The shims are positioned with the thicker ends facing towards the rear of the truck. The shims tip the axle to the correct caster angle. Offhand I don't recall what the factory caster recommendation is.

12-07-2021, 02:11 PM	#2
SideStepper Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Southern California U.S.A. Posts: 272	Re: 1957 Chev 1/2 ton front axle Good observation & good question. The axle needs to be installed with the blind holes pointing towards the rear of the truck. The 2 blind holes (1/4" dia. approx.) in the axle are location holes for the caster tapered shims. The shims have a locator "pin" (bump) on the ticker end of the taper & correctly mates & positions them on the axle. The shims are positioned with the thicker ends facing towards the rear of the truck. The shims tip the axle to the correct caster angle. Offhand I don't recall what the factory caster recommendation is.