Adjustment Shim?

[MGFever]

I've just pulled both wishbone assemblies out of the Midget in preparation to replace the bushings. Boy, what a fun job! I have one little point of confusion that needs some clarification from all of you experts out there! When I pulled the upper trunion off of the King pins I noticed that the drivers side was much tighter than the passenger. I found that there was two shims in the tight one and none in the loose. These shims are not called out in the Moss or the VB catalogs although they are on the drawings right under the upper nut. They actually ride on that first step of the king pin. My Haynes manual refers to them as "adjustment" shims but does not refer to them in the text at all. Any ideas out there? I'm tempted to put one in each and tighten to the spec torque but would like a couple of opinions first.
Thanks all.

 

[spritenut]

Those shims are indeed adjustment shims.
Too many and it makes the steering too tight.
Not enough and you get vertical movement on the king pin.
Although the later nyloc nut helps, the shims were used in the original castle head nuts.
BUT do use the shims even with the later nyloc nut.
Tighten the nut down snug, not cranked full while pivoting the steering arm, you can feel when it's too tight. Add a shim to make it loose.
Shims are available from the better parts suppliers in .002 .005 .010 and maybe even other thicknesses.
Try Ed at Justbrits.com for the shims or Peter at Worldwide auto.

 

[MGFever]

Thanks! I appreciate the help!