a couple of weeks ago I asked a question about how to line up the drive shaft on a Ford 9 inch(offset pinion on truck rear end) When I finally got back to work on it I reread the responses - and find myself confused. I took randy jack's advice and arranged to have a pro cut down and balance my drive shaft. But, i was also advised to offset the the engine while keeping it parallel to the frame
I"m not clear about how to offset the engine . or if i should . confused - help

 

There's no need to offset the engine unless you need header clearance or for some other reason. IF you have to offset the engine, keep it parallel to the frame, (assuming frame width is the same front to back). To be more exact, you need to keep it parallel to the rear pinion. If you have to offset the engine, you don't want to "point" the tranny tail shaft at the rear pinion or you will get a vibration.

 

As 53fatfndr stated, the engine is offset to get clearance and that depends on if you need it. Most guys running the Volare IFS offset about 1" toward the passenger side to get clearance between the steering box and the exhaust manifold or header on the drivers side. You may have enough clearance in the center depending on the front suspension you are using. What are you using for the front, stock, IFS, or ?

 

brandon
i have an offset pinion on the rear end . i cannot make it parallel to the engine and transmission. question is do I offset the engine and how?

leckart
I have an 80 camaro ifs

 

The only reason to offset the engine is if you need additional clearance on the drivers side for exhaust, steering box, etc.

The offset pinion on the rear axle isn't going to effect you at all as long as your engine is parallel to the frame rails. Afterall, the offset pinion came out of a truck that was designed by the Ford engineers.

Bobby

 

thanks b0bbytn,
now to convince my son. it's his truck and he thinks the u joints will be strained.

 

Like Bobby said, the pinion is offset in my 9 inch as well. If you were to look at the engine/tranny and pinion from the top down, you will see that the angles are the same, in that they are parallel with each other. When you look at your engine/tranny and pinion from the side, you will see that the angles are parallel with each other as well (however you set it up usually 3-4 degrees down at the tranny and up at the pinion).

Here's a link to John's FTE website:
http://jniolon.clubfte.com/driveline...nephasing.html

 

53fatfender
thanks for the link just what i needed.