help with front axle angle?
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
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help with front axle angle?
Ok guys I installed a 4 inch lift with new springs up front. I love the way it looks and rides but my question is this, does someone make a shim to correct the angle of the pinion to the driveshaft? When I drive with my hubs locked in and reach about 50 mph I get a noise coming from the front end. It doesn't vibrate the truck it is just enough to drive me nuts. It only happens when my hubs are locked so I figured out that it has to be the angle of the driveshaft up front cause it is off angle from the pinion by just a little bit. I got to lookin under there and wondering if there is a shim I can put under the leaves to rotate the pinion up a little to get the driveshaft straight again or is this something I should just live with and turn the radio up a little more so I can't hear the noise anymore?
Butt-Head
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 9,457
Likes: 2,938
From: Reed Point, MT
Yes, there are companies that make shims that will correct your front driveshaft angle problem. However, they're not exactly a real easy install. The shim WILL require you to remove the center bolt on the spring pack, install the shim, and then use a NEW center bolt.
Any of the major suspension companies can supply you with what you need, however most of the time the shim is aluminum....not the best material for the job. If at all possible, find a set of shims that are steel.
Another thought:
Get a shim that is only enough to quiet the vibration as when you shim the axle (rotate it forward), you are going to lose positive caster and
lose that ride you love because the truck will wander all over the road.
My suggestion to you is to leave the locking hubs unlocked while driving at road speeds....if you're tired of wrestling springs, you can save the shim project for later. I guess I never understood the need to have hubs locked on the highway anyhow.
Cody
Any of the major suspension companies can supply you with what you need, however most of the time the shim is aluminum....not the best material for the job. If at all possible, find a set of shims that are steel.
Another thought:
Get a shim that is only enough to quiet the vibration as when you shim the axle (rotate it forward), you are going to lose positive caster and
Originally Posted by you
I love the way it.....rides
My suggestion to you is to leave the locking hubs unlocked while driving at road speeds....if you're tired of wrestling springs, you can save the shim project for later. I guess I never understood the need to have hubs locked on the highway anyhow.
Cody
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 3
From: Phenix City, AL
The problem you are gonna run into by doing that is the wandering that it will create on the highway. By adding those shims, you change the caster a few degrees and without busting the knuckles and rewelding, there is no way to adjust for that change.
It's gonna be a choice between two annoyances, drifting or noise. Which is more annoying?
EDIT: Shoulda read all of cleatus's post. He already hit it.
It's gonna be a choice between two annoyances, drifting or noise. Which is more annoying?
EDIT: Shoulda read all of cleatus's post. He already hit it.
Last edited by BFR250SD; Feb 3, 2006 at 08:58 AM.
