I have done a search of the forums and still don't have a definitive answer to this question.

If I drop the back of my L 2", is there a significant change in the pinion angle, thus increasing the chance of blowing a dirveshaft?

Has anyone with 2" drop kits done anything to the pinion angle?

I know that traction bars reduce the wind up effect, but I want a set that won't show or look like something on a '72 Nova.

Anyone have pics of Cal Tracs? I have seen the JDM and Truck Traks. Impressive, but way too much meat hanging down interfering with the aftermarket Bassani.

Thanks,
FireGuy

 

FireGuy:

Most won't install a pinion shim unless the drop goes beyond 2"(ie: 3/4 BellTech kit).

 

I have 2* pinion shims with my 2" belltech drop shackles. Less vibration at high speed.

 

There are a bunch of guys running the JDM bars or the Truck Traks with the Bassani system and no problems reported yet.

--Joe

 

Thanks for the replies. I am going to lower it with the 2" belltechs and check the pinion angle. I still an looking for traction bars with more stealth that truck tracs or JDM.

Has anyone used blocks to lower instead of shackle extenders?

 

Your axle being on the bottom of the springs means its much easier to just use shackles. To move the axle to the top of the sping then figure what block is needed and make things fit properly is just to much trouble when you can have the shackles in in 20 minutes.

 

hey guys i just installed the 2 inch kit with the jdm bars last week. very nice bars but as far as it interfering with the bassanis i had to do quite a bit of modding to the hangers and even raised one hanger by making a new hole 1 inch above where it used to be in the frame. i like the bars they seem to work well. but i loosened my exhaust at the mufflers and adjusted all of the play out and it wasnt enuff. it wasnt hard to install now make the new holes for the hangers. hope this helps.

 

So what is the concensus? Pinion angles need to be adjusted for 4" drops but not 2" drops? Sounds like some of you adjusted them even with a 2" drop. I thought the angle was supposed to be slightly BETTER (vs. stock) when doing a 2" drop... but what I read in the archives may be mistaken/misquoted.

 

With a 2" drop, the pinion angle may be off as much as 1 1/2 to 2 deg, but the only way to know is by checking it. There was a thread on the subject at NLOC, but it's gone. For the most part, the larger the drop, the more the pinion angle will be off, but since there are variables, it's best to check it. Under load, the driveshaft will bind resulting with less HP at the rear wheels. It's the similar problem that 4x4 folks have who LIFT their suspensions. Although the following article is geared toward offroaders, the concepts are the same:
Driveline 101

Any good suspension shop/installer should check the driveline angles and let you know what the outcome is, or least let you know in advance what they've found from prior installations.

Spike