Explain something to me about this truck

[JimJones]

Check out this truck
http://gatewayclassiccars.com/detroi...l#.UfpEC23pz-0


I'm wondering why the drive shaft hangs down so low on this truck? Maybe it's just an optical illusion but these picks make it look like it would be easily damaged by any type of offloading. Is this is referred to as "pinion angle" and what can be done to correct this?

I'm debating on whether to build a 4x4 or a 2wd. If I decide to build a 4x4 I want 33" tires and whatever lift that is needed to accommodate them but I don’t want the driveshaft hanging down like that.

Take a look at this truck
https://app.sugarsync.com/iris/wf/D7...hfNjIxMDI4NA==

It belongs to a member here named derotoreut. This one does not seem to have the driveshaft hanging so low. Maybe it's just the pics or the lighting or maybe because it’s a short bed I'm not sure but I like how this one does not seem to have the drive shaft hanging down like the 69 in the first link.

[Square_78]

The driveshaft has to connect to the rear axel. Where else would it be?
Posted via Mobile Device

[Bigdav160]

I think what you are seeing is a combination illusion (camera is lower) and a small lift on the red truck.

Pinion angle has to be set correctly or horrible vibration occur.

[Andy4639]

U ever seen pictures of the 70's Ford 4x4's? They had a lot of angle to them.

[JimJones]

Can anybody tell me what size tires and lift are on the red 69 in the first link? If it's running tires larger than 33's then I might be worrying about nothing. Like I said if I go with a 4x4 I want 33x12.5 tires. Also am I correct in assuming that the red 70 in the second link is running the stock size tires and no lift?

[Bigdav160]

The first one is a long bed (two piece driveshaft?) and the lift blocks are visible in some of the pics.



The other truck looks stock to me

[Jbcourt]

Low camera angle for sure. Nice truck, right price too. You should but it.

[special-K]

I see what you're saying. It looks like it has a Gear Vendors,but they don't mention it. Nothing unusual for a dealer to not know jack about the vehicle. The drive shaft runs much more level,like it's at a lower point in front. On K-models,the drivetrain sits at a downhill angle to the rear. Adding the extra length brings the point the shortened driveshaft ends much lower. The driveshaft is a smaller diameter than original K/20s,probably because it's custom...and it would have even less clearance. Ask about all that.

[JimJones]

One more thing.
The ride height on both of derotoreut trucks looks the same. Did 4x4's and 2wd's share the same ride height from the factory?

[JimJones]

Ok I just found this vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0isViB-zfeg

And this is pretty much how I would set a 4x4 up as far as tire size is concerned. I don’t think those tires are any larger than 33's and the drive shaft isnt bouncing along the ground like the red on is. So it must be something with just that truck.

[Bigdav160]

I don't see much of a difference. What I don't like on the blue truck is the mismatched ride height. I had the same problem with a Tuff Country 2" lift. The rear came out too low and I had to add blocks. My truck still sits 1" lower in the rear than front.

I think special-k is on to something. The red truck has the crossmember pushed back and additional driveline length. This is why you can see the front yoke.

[derotoreut]

As I mentioned in a different thread, there is a definite difference between my two trucks. First of all the '70 K10 is 1/2 ton with stock ride height and 31X10.5-15 tires. The '69 C20 is 3/4 ton with heavy duty front springs to lift it and 285/70-17 tires. The 285/70-17 tires are about 1-3/4" taller, and about 1" wider then the 15" tires. Plus the front lift on the '69 just adds to it. It has a higher lift then the stock K10 4X4.

Originally Posted by Bigdav160

I don't see much of a difference. What I don't like on the blue truck is the mismatched ride height. I had the same problem with a Tuff Country 2" lift. The rear came out too low and I had to add blocks. My truck still sits 1" lower in the rear than front.

The height of the blue truck makes it about level. I just haven't changed the rear springs. BTW it's not a leaf spring truck.

[special-K]

Here's your explanation,per the title of this thread:

Originally Posted by special-K

I see what you're saying. It looks like it has a Gear Vendors,but they don't mention it. Nothing unusual for a dealer to not know jack about the vehicle. The drive shaft runs much more level,like it's at a lower point in front. On K-models,the drivetrain sits at a downhill angle to the rear. Adding the extra length brings the point the shortened driveshaft ends much lower. The driveshaft is a smaller diameter than original K/20s,probably because it's custom...and it would have even less clearance. Ask about all that.