Switching to manual steering, can I leave the axle shims?

[JLeather]

The title pretty much says it all. I'm removing the factory p/s from my D200, at least for the time being, because some of the unobtainable parts are worn/damaged beyond use. Has anyone removed their factory p/s and left the axle shims? I believe that the shims add some caster for better stability, which makes the truck harder to steer at-speed. Is it really that noticeable when the p/s is removed? Wondering if anyone has tried this before, or knows if they must in fact be removed.

[MadMC63]

The shims change caster to compensate for the extra resistance from the assist components meaning it increases force to help the wheels right themselves after a turn or keeps them pointing forward in a straight line. If you leave them the truck will still be drivable it will just have to much caster. If the thick end of the wedge is under the front of the axle you'll have to much positive caster. If its in the rear to much negative caster.

[Hobcobble]

To do the job thoroughly, I'd recommend removing the shims and
replacing the u-bolts. You shouldn't re-use u-bolts.
John

[JLeather]

To do the job thoroughly, I'd recommend removing the shims and
replacing the u-bolts. You shouldn't re-use u-bolts.
John

I recall some threads about new U-bolts not being the same as stock. Is there a source for the correct flat-inside U-bolts?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Leaving the shims will make it harder to turn the steering wheel.
Flattened U-bolts are weaker than round and are susceptible to breaking at the corners. (Been there - it was ugly!)
Curved top will hold the springs in place exactly the same as flattened and squared.

[JLeather]

So here's an odd thing. I don't appear to have shims on my axle:





It's a factory p/s truck, doesn't look like the axle has ever been off. What gives?

[MadMC63]

Its a front end alignment. May not have required shims when it was built. I added my power assist and installed everything just like it came off of the other truck and my steering is real light. Sort of like a heavy tongue weight trailer is attached. When I finally get around to having it aligned I'll be surprised if they use the shims I installed if any.