Pinion angle shims

FishCannon

Test Drive
Location
Tacoma, WA
I put some new OEM leaf packs with an AAL on them, which gave me about an inch and a half of lift. Now I have a little bit of driveshaft vibration between 30 and 40 mph. I can order 2 degree shims, but the local 4 Wheel Parts has 2.5 degree shims in stock, so I can get them faster. Are 2.5 degree shims too much for a 1.5 inch lift?
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I wouldn't think it'd be too much if you're already needing them. I didn't think 1.5" lift usually needed shims.
 

FishCannon

Test Drive
Location
Tacoma, WA
I wouldn't think it'd be too much if you're already needing them. I didn't think 1.5" lift usually needed shims.

Honestly, I probably dont need them, but there is a little vibe, and I'm really anal about these things. I come from an aviation maintenance background, so I'm kind of a perfectionist.
 

BillySpivitz

Bought an X
Location
Denver, CO
I can't remember where I read/heard it, but I thought rule of thumb was 1 degree for every inch of lift.

But every situation is different, I know IM1RU with his alcans actually had to go negative (flip the shims).
 

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
I can't remember where I read/heard it, but I thought rule of thumb was 1 degree for every inch of lift.

But every situation is different, I know IM1RU with his alcans actually had to go negative (flip the shims).
Two things;

1) 2.5* will most likely work with this lift. If able to wait, I’d suggest sticking with the 2.0. If unable, understood stick with 2.5 but be mindful of additional or minor vibrations.

2) @IM1RU curious on the above. Additional info in build or suspension area would be most welcome.
 

BillySpivitz

Bought an X
Location
Denver, CO
Two things;

1) 2.5* will most likely work with this lift. If able to wait, I’d suggest sticking with the 2.0. If unable, understood stick with 2.5 but be mindful of additional or minor vibrations.

2) @IM1RU curious on the above. Additional info in build or suspension area would be most welcome.

I may have gotten it mixed up - went back and read his build thread on TNX and it may have been due to having a Tom Woods DS setup as well.
 

TerryD

Total Tease
Supporting Member
Location
Covington, Va
I figured OME would have a little pinion correction built into the spring like Alcans. I run 2.5" Alcans (second hand) and I'm not running any shims.
 

jsexton

Need Bigger Tires
Location
Lewis Center, OH
I figured OME would have a little pinion correction built into the spring like Alcans. I run 2.5" Alcans (second hand) and I'm not running any shims.

OME does not. Definitely need shims with those.

We put 2.5* shims on dad’s. He’s running the light/med ome’s And shackles on the lowest setting. No vibes.
 

IM1RU

Skid Plates
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, UT
Sorry I missed this guys.

So here's the deal with Alcans. They are made to maintain the factory Pinion angle, as though you have the factory CV joint on the DS. Because I had done the Tom Woods U joint conversion I had to reverse the shims to kick the pinion back down. HOWEVER, I never did get rid of all my vibes with that set up.... I am lifted 4" plus in the rear though. Fast forward..... I now have the Tom Woods Double Cardan DS, and in order to get the pinion angle within spec of 1-3 deg, I actually took the shims back out, and currently am not running any.

But you're right, I probably need some Build thread updating.
 

josx2

Bought an X
Supporting Member
Location
Mebane, NC
I forget which ones I ran when I had OME's...but it was either 2 or 2.5*. I'm sure 0.5* wouldn't have much affect at all
 
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