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Drive-shaft: Incorrect Diff Alignment after Leaf Swap

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by misterdmac, Dec 30, 2011.

  1. Dec 30, 2011 at 3:33 PM
    #1
    misterdmac

    misterdmac [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2011
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    #61478
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    First Name:
    Doostin
    In or around the truck
    Vehicle:
    '97 2.7L DLX
    After replacing my leaf packs the other day, I realize that my drive shaft is no longer straight. The diff points more horizontally, angling the 3rd member more outboard. I'm sure I re-torqued everything properly, so I obviously didn't support the front side of the diff enough. :frusty: I've been driving it without any problems, but can finally take the time tomorrow to correct it.

    What I'm wondering is, how far do I need to go with wheel removal/jack stands before I can just throw a jack under there and push the thing back into proper alignment? Can I just chock the front wheels, take off the e-brake, loosen the u-bolts and do it? Jack it partially? Or will I have to jack it, remove wheels and then loosen the u-bolts? I find I'm not too great at visualizing where the weight's going to be.

    Obviously the extra work of removing the wheels etc. isn't prohibitive. I ain't about to leave it and shred my diff to pieces. But if anyone's got experience correcting for this, I'd love your input.
     
  2. Dec 30, 2011 at 6:40 PM
    #2
    Supra TT

    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

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    Picture? The angle shouldn't matter TOO MUCH, unless its completely horrible.
     
  3. Dec 30, 2011 at 7:14 PM
    #3
    misterdmac

    misterdmac [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2011
    Member:
    #61478
    Messages:
    185
    First Name:
    Doostin
    In or around the truck
    Vehicle:
    '97 2.7L DLX
    I wouldn't call it terrible. But it's all still stock, so the driveshaft should still be in a straight(ish) line, right? The front end of the diff should be pointed more upward/inboard, or at least it WAS before my leaf swap.

    But then again, I suppose that's why they driveshaft is sectioned. Otherwise even minor suspension flexing would tweak shit, eh?

    EDIT: happy holidays, per feint reindeer in the background.

    DSC03368.jpg
     
  4. Dec 30, 2011 at 7:17 PM
    #4
    Supra TT

    Supra TT Supercharged Lifter

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2011
    Member:
    #48645
    Messages:
    7,228
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Indiana
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    2000 SAS D60 F/R Supercharged
    Supercharged on One Tons
    Yeah that shouldn't matter, looks like mine does right now.
     

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