correcting pinion angle

[1969burb]

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone could let me know how much correction is necessary for a 5.5 inch rear drop. I bought a cheap angle finder but my understanding is the vehicle needs to be level and have full weight on its suspension to check the current angles. theres not too much room to get under it w/o a lift. just wondering if anyone had a personal experience with this type of situation. also where is a good place to buy the angle shims for our trucks? (burbs) I have a noticeable vibration at 35-45 mph and the driveshafts have been balanced and new carrier bearing and u joints are installed, so I'm assuming it must be an angle issue. thanks for the help, steve

[powell72]

Your shake could be a tire issue. I've got a 6'' drop and don't have any issues, I figure if there were the aftermarket would include shims with the drop kits.

[leftcoast66]

Ya, My axle layed on the frame when bags were dumped (I drove this way sometimes) and never had vibration issues. I would definitely look at the tires and have them balanced, and if not that I'd check your driveshaft to see if it's balanced, because those IMO are more likely.

[larry may]

May have a needle bearing out of place under a u joint cap, an engine mount may be dalapidated or broke,

[BigTruckDriver]

Originally Posted by 1969burb

Hi all! I was wondering if anyone could let me know how much correction is necessary for a 5.5 inch rear drop. I bought a cheap angle finder but my understanding is the vehicle needs to be level and have full weight on its suspension to check the current angles. theres not too much room to get under it w/o a lift. just wondering if anyone had a personal experience with this type of situation. also where is a good place to buy the angle shims for our trucks? (burbs) I have a noticeable vibration at 35-45 mph and the driveshafts have been balanced and new carrier bearing and u joints are installed, so I'm assuming it must be an angle issue. thanks for the help, steve

Are you using trailing arms or leafs?

[1969burb]

it's a coil spring trailing arm setup. tires are new and balanced, so I'm fairly confident they're ok although I know anything is possible. I have a neighbor who developed a vibration after dropping the rear of his 1990 swb 4 inches, and it turned out to be a pinion angle problem that was corrected with 2 degree shims. that is why I'm looking into it. thanks again for any input!!

[Hart_Rod]

I've got bags (ART), c-notch and a 1 1/2 lowering blocks on mine and so far have not had any vibration issues. I think you might be able to adjust the position of the carrier bearing instead of using shims.