What type of vehicles typically use shim adjusted control arms?

Shim adjusted control arms are typically found in older rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicles that utilize a front short-long arm (SLA) suspension system. This type of suspension design allows for adjustments to be made to the alignment settings of the wheels, specifically caster and camber angles, through the use of shims. The shims are inserted between the control arm and the mounting point on the vehicle frame or suspension assembly, which provides the ability to fine-tune these critical alignment angles for better handling and tire wear.

In older RWD vehicles, this system was more common, as it provided simpler adjustments that were essential for maintaining vehicle performance and stability. As automotive technology evolved, many manufacturers moved to designs that integrate adjustable control arms without the need for shims, which has become less common in modern vehicles such as SUVs or all-wheel-drive models that typically feature more complex suspension systems. Electric vehicles also generally utilize modern suspension setups that prioritize different performance characteristics.

Thus, the specific association of shim adjusted control arms with older RWD vehicles reveals their historical significance in vehicle alignment and suspension design.