Driveline angles

[JWSLightning]

I'm planning a 4 inch lift for my '87 K5. My initial thought was that with 4 inches drivline angles would not be an issue but some others that will be involved in the project have voiced concerns. Can anyone tell if driveline angles will be an issue with a 4 inch life?

 

[Shaggy]

<font color="green"> They may be fine, and may not be. There is so much variation in Blazers that no two are ever exactly the same. You just have to do the lift and see how it turns out, then adjust from there. Generally any lift over 4" needs some angle adjustment, but there are exceptions. I lifted my K10 6" and the angles were perfect after putting on the lift, but that is uncommon. </font color>

 

[Stephen]

At the 4" lift level things can be good or bad. Mine ran fine with a 3" lift and 33's but I had 3.73 gears. I swapped to 4.56's and all of a sudden I couldn't run over 65. That's just one of the variables.
I would highly recommend leaving room in the budget for a CV jointed driveshaft for the rear. You can try to match the angles up but if your combination does not allow it, or your tolerance level for ujoint wear and noise doesn't allow it, go to a CV joint and your problems become fewer. No matter what, more angle on the joints is hard on them, regardless of the type, CV or no CV.

 

[bobsurf]

Just trying to suck up some info for when I'm ready to do mine. As I understand it, he basically has 3 options for correcting that angle:

1. CV jointed driveshaft
2. Rotate the rearend and move spring perches
3. Rotate the rearend and use shims

Anything I'm missing?

Sorry Stephen, this should probably be in a general CK5 forum.

 

[beater74]

nope /forums/images/icons/grin.gif

 

[Blazinaire]

And lowering the transfer case /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

 

[79Beast]

Basically, everyone so far is correct. You need to match the angles or your driveshafts. The lower your gears, the worse your driveline problems will be. In my opinion, do the lift, then worry about the angles......try to make them equal. Don't use a kit to lower your Tcase if you go that route. Use some solid plate steel if you have to. Take your time and do it right the first time.

 

[Mreetz]

Any recommended place in Denver to get a CV drive shaft? /forums/images/icons/smirk.gif

 

[i_4x4]

I've used
Englewood Driveshaft (for my 1350 rear shaft). I don't know their #.
Drive Line Service of Denver (for my front shaft).303-287-5538
I was very pleased w/ the work of both shops. Hope this helps.
Later Ed

 

[Mreetz]

Thanks!
I'll chase down the #.

 

[79Beast]

I'm from GA, so I'm really not familiar with Colorado. I would suggest talking to Oscar at Arizona Driveline. I have had VERY good experiences dealing with him. I'm not sure on the phone number, but its in the back of FourWheeler and Peterson's 4Wheel and Offroad. Look for the ad that says www.drivelinesolutions.com

 

[Mreetz]

Thanks, I contacted them. Looks like some pretty stout work comin outta their shop there!