Addressing pinion angle questions before axle install

[Highpsi]

I'm going to be installing my 14FF and removing the GM 10 bolt soon, and I've got a couple questions about pinion angle and my transfer case. I'm trying to stay focused on getting my spring perches installed properly so I can get all my parts over to the place I'm using for blasting and powder coating.

Truck Info:
86 K10 with NP208 t-case mated to an SM465. Lift will be 8" total with rear shackle flip kit from ORD and 4" springs in rear. Tires are 38" TSL's. Front axle will be a D60.

So I've got an NP205 that I acquired with all my axle parts too, but I've decided I need to delay putting that in because I've GOT to get this job underway and if I keep adding modifications I'm never going to get done. I'm %99 sure that 205 was mated to an auto trans, so I'm certain the adapter isn't correct.

I'm wondering if I go ahead with my axle install now and set my pinion angle for the 208, will it be a problem trying to install the 205 t-case later down the road? I will be getting a custom CV style drive shaft made. (I read the tech info on Tom Woods Drive shafts website too).

Like I said, I plan to add the 205 T-case later for sure so if it will turn into a big mess if I use the 208 now, I'd better find out sooner than later. I bought new perches from ruffstuff (Thanks for the advice there DREMU) and I'd like to set them properly on the axle right now and try to avoid putting shims in under the springs if I can.

 

[ryoken]

the dif should be negligible.. really you just need to know the difference in drivetrain length, and where the output flange will be... maybe a couple inches difference... so maybe a couple degrees, if that, shouldn't be an issue with a cv... now whether the shaft needs to be lengthened or shortened is another story... but like i said, i doubt the overall length will change much, your keeping the 465...

 

[blazinzuk]

With a CV the axle needs to be pointed up pretty much equal with the angle of the driveshaft.

With that much lift you have going to have to tilt your perches quite a bit, it might necessitate overfilling the diff to make sure the pinion bearings keep lubed up.

That said the 205 is going to be about 4" or so shorter ( thats a WAG) so the length will take away a couple of degrees.

I realize the want to do things once but I would set them for the current setup, it will be close with the 205 but if you run into any problems with it cut em off and rotate again.

 

[Highpsi]

Ok, that's exactly what I was needing to know. Great answers from a couple guys whose opinions are highly valued - thank you both.

And how true it is what you said blaze - the desire to do it once is really subjective to future plans for anyone's rig. When doing so many big changes like I am all at once you've gotta draw the line somewhere and settle on a setup or end up building the dam thing from the ground up huh!