drive shaft angle when lowered?

[sactoC10]

I don't see too many people commenting about any shake or power transfer problems when the rear has been lowered. Are these 67-72 (and earlier) trucks not prone to the same problems as trucks with leaf springs and leaf spring related issues when trucks are dropped?

Got my longbed down from 4" to 5" (in the rear) over the weekend and something feels different. Everything is centered, panhard is OK, shocks are probably stuffed to tight for sure, but it felt like the power was not as smooth.

Any input on this?
Thanks!

[68LSS1]

I didn't have any problems with a 2/4 drop on mine. By the way you worded your question I'll assume you have a coil spring rear? Later I did get the shock relocation kits for the rear and they were definately money well spent. It rode a lot better. Are the shocks stock or are they meant for your lowered application? Or are you thinking you may have pinion angle problem? I can't see changing the pinion angle enough to cause a problem with your drop but I guess it's possible. You can get shims to put between your axle seats and trailing arms (they're wedge shaped) if necessary.

[PR454SS]

I dropped my SB five inches in back, 4" springs and 1" blocks. I was seeing the same thing just a little shudder at certain speeds.
I got an angle finder and found that the differential needed a two degree wedge to be at the proper position.:p

[sactoC10]

Yes, that is what I noticed, a slight shudder that felt like a pinion angle problem (felt it before in other trucks I've dropped).

After inspecting the situation more closely, I could see that when using a block/spring combination, the straight up lift of the axle (via blocks) puts the drive shaft out of whack moreso than what would occur with only a coil spring drop that would keep the angle more correct.

I'd rather leave it at 4-4.5" of drop than go to a spring different than the eibachs I am using in the rear. They are great and make for a SMOOTH as silk ride.

Guess I'll have to keep thinking this one through. Could probably loose an inch of drop with suspension parts and get the truck lower to the ground with 50's instead of 60's mounted out back too.

Thanks!

[PR454SS]

I have yet to install the 2 degree blocks I got, so I,m still unsure if this will fix the issue. The pinion needs to be set between 0 and 3 degreesa and mine is at 5, so in theory it should take care of it.