first question i have is what side do the cam shims go on, the case side or cover side. If cover side what do you use for a shim on the second cam from the rear. It is a much larger diamiter than the others and none of the shims will fit over it. Second i see in pics that there are small pins that go between the bushings and cam??? I see on 3 of the bushings there are slots but when i took it apart i did not find any and I cant seem to find any to buy. Do I really need those or will she work without them. Thanks for the help in advance.

 

First shims are unnecessary. HD published a service bulletin about this. Here is a link for download:
http://cid-e2880b68d32bbca8.skydrive...vcBullM860.pdf

When i shimmed mine i put them on the cover side except for the #2. I think it does not matter. I have heard of guys splitting them etc. I have since removed them all.

The pins are HD part number 275, DOWEL PIN, 1/8 X 1/4. You drill a hole thru the lip of the bushing into the case and drive in the pin. This is to prevent the bushing from spinning. New bushings that you buy, even those especially for this application, may not have enough lip to do this. For these just get them in there really tight - heat the cover in the oven, cool the bushing in the freezer, press it in perhaps with some red locktite.

The slots in the bushings are absolutely necessary for oil flow.

25586-37 cam gear shaft bushings [3]
25588-57 #2 bushing
25593-74 flywheel gear shaft bushing
25597-57 gen idler gear shaft bushing

 

What are you doing regarding the bushings and the timing cover?
If you are replacing the bushings in the cover, then I hope you have the engine completely dis-assembled.

If you are just putting in new bushings in the cover, then you may find you are making a serious error in doing so.
I hope you are aware that new bushings must be line reamed with the right side crankcase and timing cover fastened in place.
The reamer goes through the other bearing(s) in the case and reams/aligns the new bushing(s) to size after they have been pressed into the cover.
Just thought I would mention that in case you are not aware of it..... pg

 

Old post i know..but the shims should go on whatever side of the cam that aligns the lobe to the tappet wheel the best. As close to centered as possible.

 

Either side, it makes no difference. I like to stick them between the backside of the cam and the cam plate myself.
You are gonna hear some say you do not need any shims. That is because of a tech service notification made sometime around 1978 saying shimming is not required.
Well, I require shims myself and will always use the shims on my machine. We each make our own choice on this one.
pg

 

Here is a link to the service bulletin on my SkyDrive account. Click on DownLoad to get it ...

http://cid-e2880b68d32bbca8.skydrive...vcBullM860.pdf

 

Wow..
I don't use them on 1976 up,but 1975 down always,unless the Andrews PB+ are used.
(That way,both the folks I admire are happy)