Technical Axle Shims ID & Leaf Spring questions

I’m working on my 1930 Plymouth model U, slowly disassembling parts, blast, paint, reassemble. I’m working the front end right now and found shims between my leaf springs and the axle. I’m hoping someone can help ID them and school me up on them. Also Should I replace with new? (The second shim - not shown - is cracked in half and needs replacing)




Second - when pulling apart the leaf springs, I removed the center bolt and can remove some of the leafs. A few of the leafs have clips held in with a rivet. Do I need to cut the river out to remove or is there some trick to pulls them apart ?


Thanks in advanced !



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Used for setting caster and still available from Filling Station, Chevs of the '40s, etc.

 

When the leaf springs were originally assembled the U clips were riveted to that leaf, then the pack of leaves were assembled with the center bolt. Last, the clips were bent around the whole pack.

Maybe you can straighten the clips out to disassemble? Maybe best to grind the rivet?

For the shim, wait until you get the front end alignment done. They may want to use a wedge with a different angle to set proper caster.

 

Thanks for the reply!


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Heat the clip at the 90* bend close to the rivet and open it up. You can wiggle the other leafs out for cleaning. When going back together, squeeze it up tight with a c-clamp.
If going back to stock, use the caster wedges it had in it, they will be really close to what it needs, big end towards rear of car.