6 Best Adjustable Alignment Shims For Lifted Van Conversions

Lifting a van for better clearance on forest service roads often leads to the dreaded “death wobble” or accelerated tire wear if the suspension geometry isn’t properly corrected. While those oversized tires and beefy spacers look incredible, they push factory components past their original design limits. Solving these alignment issues early saves thousands of dollars in ruined tires and protects the steering rack from premature failure.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

SPC EZ Cam XR Bolts: Easiest for DIY Adjustments

The SPC EZ Cam XR bolts replace the original equipment strut-to-knuckle bolts with an eccentric cam design that allows for finite camber adjustment. These are the gold standard for anyone installing a basic lift kit at home, as they provide a wide range of correction without requiring major suspension teardowns. They allow the user to dial in the wheel angle precisely, which is essential for bringing the camber back to factory spec after the ride height has been increased.

Installation is straightforward, often requiring nothing more than a torque wrench and a basic set of hand tools. Because they utilize a camming action, even someone with limited mechanical experience can make incremental adjustments until the vehicle tracks straight. They are effectively “set and forget” components, provided they are tightened to the manufacturer’s specified torque.

These bolts are ideal for the van builder who wants a reliable, low-cost solution for moderate lifts under two inches. If the suspension geometry is only slightly out of spec, these provide all the correction necessary to prevent uneven tire wear. For those doing their own work in a driveway, this remains the most accessible and effective path forward.

Moog K100023 Kit: Best OEM-Quality Replacement

When reliability and longevity are the primary goals, the Moog K100023 kit acts as a direct, high-quality replacement for factory hardware. Moog has a long-standing reputation for building components that frequently outperform original factory parts in terms of durability and metal strength. This kit provides a straightforward, no-nonsense fix for rigs that require modest alignment shifts to compensate for small leveling kits.

Unlike specialty performance parts that might require frequent re-tightening, Moog hardware is engineered for the rigors of heavy daily driving. The plating is designed to resist road salt and moisture, which is a major factor for vans traveling through diverse climates. If the goal is to keep the steering feel as close to “factory” as possible while maintaining a slight lift, this is the hardware of choice.

Opt for these if the van is a primary vehicle that sees thousands of miles of highway travel every year. They lack the aggressive adjustability of specialized race-grade bolts, but they offer unmatched peace of mind. For the practical van builder, they represent a solid, dependable investment.

Ingalls FastCam Bolts: The Best Budget-Friendly Fix

Ingalls FastCam bolts are the go-to solution for those who need to correct alignment on a tight budget without sacrificing safety. They function similarly to other cam bolts by providing a mechanical offset that allows for camber adjustment, but they often come in at a lower price point than premium brand alternatives. They are robust enough for standard overlanding use and handle the stresses of a moderate lift without issue.

While they may not feature the high-end finishing of more expensive kits, the core functionality is perfectly sufficient for 90% of van conversions. They provide enough throw to correct the geometry issues created by common budget lift kits found online. If the suspension setup is simple and the van isn’t being used for extreme rock crawling, these bolts perform perfectly well.

Select these when funds are better spent elsewhere in the van build, such as on solar power or insulation. They are a reliable, utilitarian choice that gets the job done without unnecessary frills. For the budget-conscious traveler, these provide a secure, functional alignment path.

SPC Sliding Ball Joints: The Ultimate Correction

For serious van builds—especially those utilizing heavy-duty lift kits that push the suspension to its absolute limits—sliding ball joints are the superior choice. Unlike cam bolts, which alter the angle at the strut, these replace the ball joint itself to adjust both camber and caster simultaneously. This is critical for keeping the vehicle’s handling characteristics stable, especially during high-speed highway driving.

These joints provide a much wider range of adjustment than any bolt kit possibly could. They are the only way to properly correct geometry on high-clearance builds that require significant caster changes to maintain steering return and tracking. While they are more expensive and time-consuming to install, they offer a level of precision that is unmatched by any other component.

They are strongly recommended for high-top vans or rigs heavily loaded with gear, where weight distribution can affect suspension sag. If the budget allows for a permanent, high-performance fix, skip the bolts and go straight to the sliding ball joints. This is a “do it once, do it right” component for serious expedition vehicles.

Eibach Pro-Alignment Kit: For Performance Handling

Eibach is synonymous with performance suspension, and their alignment kits are designed specifically to improve vehicle dynamics. These kits are often paired with stiffer springs or performance struts to ensure that the van remains stable when cornering or navigating windy mountain passes. They focus on maintaining exact geometry under load, which reduces the “floaty” feeling common in lifted, top-heavy vans.

The material quality in an Eibach kit is consistently high, ensuring that once the alignment is set, it stays locked in despite constant road vibration. These are excellent for van owners who prioritize driving comfort and responsiveness. If the build feels sluggish or prone to body roll, correcting the alignment with these precision-engineered parts can make a noticeable difference in how the van carries its weight.

These are the correct choice for the performance-oriented traveler who views the driving experience as an essential part of the journey. If the van is tuned for better road manners and responsiveness, Eibach provides the necessary components to hold that tune. It is a premium choice that rewards the driver with tighter, more predictable handling.

North Westy Bushings: Top Pick for Classic VW Vans

Classic VW Vanagons and Westfalias have unique suspension setups that do not play well with modern bolt-on kits. North Westy has carved out a niche by providing polyurethane and specialized alignment bushings tailored specifically for these aging platforms. These bushings replace worn-out factory rubber, which often eliminates the “sloppy” steering feel that plagued these vans from the factory.

By replacing the original bushings with these performance-oriented versions, the van gains improved steering feedback and better durability. These are essential for any classic van undergoing a suspension refresh or a lift. The engineering accounts for the specific geometry of the VW chassis, ensuring that alignment specs remain within a range that the steering rack can actually handle.

If the project involves a vintage VW, do not look for generic aftermarket parts. The specialized nature of these bushings makes them a mandatory upgrade for anyone serious about keeping a classic van on the road. They are the standard for a reason, providing the best possible performance for these specific, storied vehicles.

Why Your Lifted Van Needs an Alignment Correction

Every time you change the height of your van’s suspension, you change the way the tires make contact with the road. Factory alignment specifications are calculated based on a specific ride height and center of gravity; once those change, the factory settings are no longer optimal. Ignoring this causes “scrubbing,” where the tires are essentially being dragged across the pavement rather than rolling freely.

This isn’t just about tire longevity, though that is the most expensive immediate consequence. Misaligned steering geometry places unnecessary, constant strain on your ball joints, tie rods, and steering rack. Over time, this accelerates wear on these critical components, turning a simple alignment fix into a full front-end rebuild.

Furthermore, a lifted van that isn’t aligned correctly becomes unpredictable in emergency maneuvers. If the caster is off, the steering wheel may not return to center after a turn, or the van may wander across the lane at highway speeds. Proper alignment ensures that the vehicle handles as safely as it looks.

Camber Caster & Toe: A Simple Vanlife Explainer

Understanding the three pillars of alignment helps in making informed decisions about which parts to buy. Camber refers to the inward or outward tilt of the tires when viewed from the front; improper camber causes the inside or outside edge of the tire to wear down prematurely. Caster is the angle of the steering axis when viewed from the side, which determines how much the steering wheel wants to return to the center.

Toe is the measurement of whether the front tires are pointed toward each other or away from each other. Toe is the most common cause of rapid tire wear; even a fraction of an inch of “toe-in” or “toe-out” will shred a set of tires in just a few thousand miles. All alignment corrections aim to balance these three forces to ensure the van moves in a straight line with minimal driver effort.

When choosing hardware, consider which of these metrics you need to fix most. Cam bolts typically address camber and caster, while specific control arms or bushings are sometimes needed for toe corrections. Understanding these basics ensures you buy the correct fix for your specific geometry issue rather than guessing.

Bolts vs. Bushings vs. Arms: Which is for You?

The decision between bolts, bushings, and control arms comes down to the severity of the lift and your mechanical tolerance for maintenance. Bolts are the entry-level choice: they are cheap, easy to install, and work perfectly for lifts under two inches. They address simple camber issues but have limits on how much total correction they can provide.

Bushings are often specific to the platform, such as the VW Vanagon, and are used when the goal is to restore the integrity of the entire control arm assembly. They are a “refresh” component that fixes geometry by removing the “slop” found in aged rubber. These are essential for older vehicles but are less common as a primary fix for modern commercial vans.

Adjustable control arms are the ultimate, high-budget solution for extreme builds. They replace the entire structural arm, allowing for total control over the suspension position. While expensive, they are the only way to properly align a van that has been pushed to the edge of its mechanical capability.

Finding an Alignment Shop for Your Custom Rig

Finding a shop willing to work on a custom-lifted van can be a challenge. Many high-volume alignment shops rely on automated machines that only have factory specs in their database; they may refuse to align a vehicle if the measurements are outside those factory ranges. It is important to ask a shop if they are willing to work with “custom specs” before making an appointment.

Look for shops that cater to 4×4, off-road, or lifted truck enthusiasts rather than standard tire-and-lube chains. These shops are accustomed to seeing modified suspension setups and will understand why you need to dial in specific camber or caster numbers. They are generally more willing to listen to the builder’s requirements and work with aftermarket adjustment components.

Always bring your alignment kit documentation with you. If you have installed specialty bolts or bushings, the technician needs to know how they adjust. Being prepared and finding a shop that understands the nature of a custom build is the final step in ensuring your van drives as well as it looks.

Alignment is a fundamental aspect of van safety, not just an aesthetic upgrade. By choosing the right components for your lift and finding a shop that understands custom rigs, you ensure your conversion remains a reliable home on wheels. Proper geometry is the difference between a smooth cross-country trek and a frustrating trip to the mechanic.