driveline angle finder.. pics inside..

[goldwing2000]

Jess said, assuming I measured my angles right, that I need a 7* shim. I guess I'm going to order a set of 7* steel shims, and I'm going to get a new set of center pins and u bolts, and go from there...

I wonder if I'll be able to put on the new center pins by just taking off the old u bolts and jacking the truck up untill the springs raise up off the axle? I'll try to rig up some kinda decent jackstands

You shouldn't need new u-bolts. The shims aren't that thick.

Unless you have a hoist, the frame is too high to lift the truck off the axle. I always have to jack it up by the axle, support the frame with stands and then lower the axle away from the truck.

 

[78Suburban]

anyone have pics of a 7* shim? Is it a pretty big shim? What size centerpins will my 52's use? 3/8ths I assume??

would it be best to just take the springs off of the truck to do this?
thanks,
James

 

[goldwing2000]

No, it's easier to leave the springs on the truck. Just do one side at a time and hold the spring packs together with a couple of big c-clamps.

Shouldn't take you any time at all.

Yes, the center bolts are 3/8" but they have a round head, so you can't just use a bolt.

Here's a picture of an 8° shim (7° will be a little smaller):

 

[pvfjr]

A lot of people use socket cap screws for center pins. My favorite place to find those is Fastenal. They sell about every size you'd ever need, have fine and course thread too. If you choose "will call" at checkout, you can go pick them up and don't have to pay shipping. They come in pretty quick if you're doing pickup, and they'll notify you when they arrive. I've always had great dealings with fastenal. When I lived on base, they'd bring them right to my door free of charge too, cause they were always on base making deliveries anyway. Got my tek screws from them too.

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products.ex?N=999600040+1199978910+1199965578&Nty=0

Here's a list of locations near you.
http://www.fastenal.com/web/locations.ex?action=search&zip=talbotton&state=GA

 

[pvfjr]

Oh, and here's a pic of jkwoffroad's 7* shims, they're $35.

 

[goldwing2000]

A lot of people use socket cap screws for center pins.

Interesting idea. What's the head diameter of a 3/8 SHCS? (too lazy to go out and measure)

 

[sandawgk5]

Interesting idea. What's the head diameter of a 3/8 SHCS? (too lazy to go out and measure)

It is the same size as a center pin. That is what I used for my 56s until I put on the zero rates .

Ira

 

[goldwing2000]

It is the same size as a center pin. That is what I used for my 56s until I put on the zero rates .

Ira

That would be 9/16", then.

Sweetness. I can steal... I mean borrow those from work.

 

[78Suburban]

well, I'll get the spring shop to make me 4 new 5/8" u bolts, that are about 1" longer than stock, and while I'm there, 2 center pins won't cost much extra at all.

 

[dave_90_blazer]

Hmmm looks lik I "Created a Nuisance" on this thread. I just got a phonecall from officer Obie saying something about arresting me and a bunch of shamless padders.

27 8x10 color glossy pictures with circles and arrows and a paragraph on the back of each one


pretty catchy song, lol

 

[hawkeye649]

That angle finder will work fine. I bought one like it only in fire engine red from Ace hardware for 10.99
It may be a good idea for you to spend some time here:Driveline 101
Read the whole page.Everything you need to know is pretty much covered. With pics, circles and arrows, and all that cool stuff. Itll shed some light on the subject so you dont have to play with your toy in the dark

Thank you thunder!! I had saved his link on an old computer, and pulled out a backup and the site was DOA. I was so pissed, aparently he just moved. When I got to the bottom I recognized his ugly mug and shed tears of joy.