front drive shaft angle

[twosnvrlose]

I just put in a 6" lift and the kit from tuff country worked good except the front drive shaft angle is a little out. I was thinking of shifting the front diff about 10-15% to correct this angle problem and I was wondering if there is a product out there to do this or do I have to go to the local machine shop and have some thing made? Also the back sags a little and was thinking of a small block the back is that what thoses zero rates are?

 

[cbbr]

Shims. ORD should be able to get them for you.

And yes, the zero rates will give you an inch in the rear to cure the sag as long as you are not using blocks now..

 

[twosnvrlose]

The lift is springs no blocks right now and those shims are they one peice or a whole bunch of small ones? can I get them anywere? or would I be better off just makeing my own from one peice?

 

[cbbr]

Look at the link (the underlined word) - they are one piece and can be had in a variety of degrees. smoe people make them, for the $$ I would just buy the right ones and be done.

 

[twosnvrlose]

Thanks for your help such knowledge able people around here

 

[goldwing2000]

The only problems with running shims on the front is that you change the caster angle, which affects vehicle stability. You'll notice that even in cbbr's link, it states "Degree shims are generally installed between rear leaf springs and the axle." I don't know how much is too much but use as little shim as possible to get the job done.

To do it right, you need to cut and rotate the "C" on the end of the tube.

Worse comes to worse, you can run CV joints at both ends of the shaft.

 

[bp71k5]

I think for you're front shaft you can run a pretty big angle since you generally don't go very fast in 4WD. Mine's no where near a proper angle and it's ok. I just unlock the hubs on the freeway. I would drive it a bit and see if you really need to change anything before spending time/money on shims, etc. I did the same lift kit and it's fine for my 71, except I did 6" in rear and 4" in front.

 

[Chaddy]

To do it right, you need to cut and rotate the "C" on the end of the tube

The easiest way is to drill out the plug welds and rotate the center section.

 

[cbbr]

The only problems with running shims on the front is that you change the caster angle, which affects vehicle stability. You'll notice that even in cbbr's link, it states "Degree shims are generally installed between rear leaf springs and the axle." I don't know how much is too much but use as little shim as possible to get the job done.

To do it right, you need to cut and rotate the "C" on the end of the tube.

Worse comes to worse, you can run CV joints at both ends of the shaft.

If we are talking a couple of degrees, will the stability be thrown off noticeably as long as the caster setting is the same on both sides?

 

[ssped]

The total caster will change a bit but Not significantly. Might actually loosen the stiffness of the steering. Caster is changes the ability to center the wheel. think raked motorcycle. I placed and welded in steel shims and the steering is much better. Easier to turn.

 

[goldwing2000]

If we are talking a couple of degrees, will the stability be thrown off noticeably as long as the caster setting is the same on both sides?

A couple of degrees is probably fine. My truck actually had some shims under the 6" springs when I bought it and it's ok. But like I said, go with as little as possible. If you shim it too much and your caster goes negative, you're going to be in a hurt locker.

The easiest way is to drill out the plug welds and rotate the center section.

That's good to know. Same effect but less work!

 

[cbbr]

If you shim it too much and your caster goes negative, you're going to be in a hurt locker.

No question about that.

 

[twosnvrlose]

thanks for the info I am going to try some 6 degree shims from a local company the were cheap about $19 cdn and I got some 3" blocks for the back to level out the rear. Thanks again for the info.

 

[ntsqd]

Stay away from aluminum shims, particularly thin ones. They break thru the center pin hole and then you've got a mess.

 

[ssped]

Ditto on that I snapped a set of aluminum 2 deg shims. Get steel for reeelllllll.

 

[twosnvrlose]

all steel and they are cheap great combo