Install shim right from start? 3" rear lift

I'm planning out my suspension, likely ICON coilovers in the front at around 2.5" of lift with aftermarket UCAs. For the rear All Pro Expedition leafs and ICON 2.0 RR. I always have a load of at least 400 lbs in the back so that will put the Expos at about 3" lift at the max, a bit lower when fully provisioned for a long camping trip.

It seems like many people end up needing a shim with a rear lift like that and no one is ever really hurt by a shim (unless they install it backwards of course). Given the hassle of install I'm thinking I should just install a shim at the same time I do the rest of the rear suspension. Obviously I can measure driveline angles afterwards and change plans if vibes develop, but it seems like the best starting point is to just put a shim in as that makes it the most likely I won't have to mess around with the rear again.

Sounds thinking on my part? Stupid idea? (If so, why is it dumb!)

Thanks!

 

I always just put 3 degree shims in, and a carrier bearing drop kit. Never have any vibes.

 

I didn't do the shim from the start. I did, however, install the CB drop and haven't had issues. I started to notice a vibe from 60-65 mph so I might have to do the shims soon..

 

Geek is in the houseeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

Could be your duratracs too...I never had a vibes when lifted on stock tires...now with duratracs I feel some vibs at around the same speed, but it's coming from the tires...they had to rebalance them twice already, it improved much

 

Thanks Flow. I'll have to look. I only noticed it coming back from the Badlands last Sunday. At least the alignment wasn't off haha

 

Where can you get said CB drop? Thanks. Also, is there a specific shim? I googled 3* shim and it came up with a ton.

 

Never mind about the shims. Think I found some. http://www.eadoffroad.com/toytec-tt3ds-tacoma-95-up,-4runner-86-89-solid-steel-axle-degree-shims

 

Awesome, thanks a lot for that!

 

Thanks for the replies guys! I think I'm going to plan on doing a 3* shim during the spring install. Seems like it could only help. I'll measure angle and see if I have a vibe and decide if a CB drop is in order too at that point. Can always do the CB drop later easily, but seems like doing the shim while doing the springs makes sense.

 

I was thinking along the same lines as you. Do the shims first, then if needed CB drop after just because that'd be easy.

 

I did 5100's all around with an AAL in the rear with 3* shim and I've had no issues for over 50k miles. I did not do a cb drop or anything.

 

subd

 

Any updates DVexile? Ordered my OME kit with Dakars and plan on doing the 3 deg shim from toytec (bought through wheelers). I'm not homing that the centre pin on the Dakars works with the kit. Does the protrusion in the pin just seat into the hole in the shim or do you have to remove the shim and reattach with the shim in place?

 

No updates from me, I'll be doing the install in a few months. At this point I'm planning on doing the shim from the start - hopefully I won't then have to take it out!