Pinion angle when lowering the rear

[leddzepp]

I am going to lower the rear of my truck with 4" coil springs. I have 2" lowering blocks now, which I am going to remove, so I will have 4" lowered total with the springs. Will I need to correct my pinion angle with degree wedges? I used to lift Jeep CJ's a long time ago, and had to use wedges to correct the pinion angle. Thanks for your help.

[my67chevytruck]

I asked ECE this question when i ordered our drop kit from them (4" rear drop springs) and they stated we would not need to make any adjustments. I would like to know as well. we may go with a 1" or 2" blocks later down the road

[leddzepp]

Thanks for your input. I may end up putting the blocks back in if it is not lowered enough for me. I wonder if lowering it in the front compensates for having to shim the rear pinion?

[Mixup]

I have 4" springs and 1" blocks and the angle is ok.

[LuckyHenriksen]

I have 4 inch springs and am in the process of building 2 inch blocks, I hope it doesn't need adjustment.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by LuckyHenriksen

I have 4 inch springs and am in the process of building 2 inch blocks, I hope it doesn't need adjustment.

Does it do OK with the 4" springs? I assume you do not have degree shims?

[LuckyHenriksen]

ya it does fine. I dont have any shims, the rest is stock

[leddzepp]

Cool...how much are you lowered in the front? I am thinking if I lower it proportionately, it will help keep the pinion angle consistent.

[LuckyHenriksen]

I have 2.5 spindles and 1 inch springs. I am thinking of hacking half a coil out to go with the blocks, making it a 4/6

[leddzepp]

I have 2.5 spindles in the front, and am wanting to go with 1" springs to lower it just a little more. I was very pleased with the spindles when I put them in last year. I currently have 2" blocks in the rear with stock springs.

[LuckyHenriksen]

I would sell you my front springs (they are brand new) but I cant afford to buy another set, so I have to do with cutting them

[leddzepp]

No problem Lucky...I will keep lookin! How is your ride with the 1" drop springs in the front? Do you bottom out at all? I love the spindles because it did not affect my ride quality at all. How about alignment? Did the shop have any trouble aligning it with the lowering springs?

[larry may]

Not sure may be this would help a little bit
http://www.carcraft.com/howto/91758/index.html

[LuckyHenriksen]

It rides really nice, surprisingly smooth for an old truck. I havent had any problem bottoming out, scraped a header collector on a speed bump at school though.... that was my own fault for driving too fast. I had no problem getting it aligned, the guys at Les Schwab was very helpful and didn't have any trouble getting it on the rack or anything.

[myoldchevytruck]

leddzepp, I have 6 inch rear coils (no c-notch...yet) and my pinion angle is fine. I too, called ECE about this and here's what they told me.

1"-2" use the stock track bar
3"-4" use an adjustable panhard bar
5"-6" us the super track bar

This will keep your pinion angle geometrically correct

[LuckyHenriksen]

great link larry

[LuckyHenriksen]

I have 4 inch springs and will be adding 2 inch blocks, does this count as a 6 inch drop? I don't want to have to buy a super track bar.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by myoldchevytruck

leddzepp, I have 6 inch rear coils (no c-notch...yet) and my pinion angle is fine. I too, called ECE about this and here's what they told me.

1"-2" use the stock track bar
3"-4" use an adjustable panhard bar
5"-6" us the super track bar

This will keep your pinion angle geometrically correct

Thanks for your input Harry. I do not understand how the track bar affects pinion angle though? I know it is there to keep the rear end from going side-to-side...

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Thanks for your input Harry. I do not understand how the track bar affects pinion angle though? I know it is there to keep the rear end from going side-to-side...

The track bar (Panhard bar) doesn't impact the pinion angle.

ECE states minimal pinion change w/up to 6" spring drops. Any more than that, you'll want to combine springs & blocks for sure.

[chevychase]

Not to hijack, but how about the pinion angle with bags and just a c-notch?

[dznucks]

Bump.

[71tahoe]

It's my understanding that pinion angle is in relation to the crankshaft/transmission shaft centerline. When you use parallel blocks the angle of the rear diff doesn't change. Shorter springs cause the trailing arms to rotate changing the angle. What's too much, I don't know.

Bags should be evaluated at desired ride height. If it's 6" then according to ECE you're OK. If you want 8" then add 2" blocks.

[Alex Hayley]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Will I need to correct my pinion angle with degree wedges?

I did not read every response. I spoke with ECE before putting a 4" drop in and was told that the pinion angle will be better with the 4" drop.

[leddzepp]

Originally Posted by Alex Hayley

I did not read every response. I spoke with ECE before putting a 4" drop in and was told that the pinion angle will be better with the 4" drop.

Did you look at the date I posted this question?

Good info here.

[Alex Hayley]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Did you look at the date I posted this question?

Good info here.

Apparently I did not read that either.