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When you put on a lift kit, don't you need a longer drive shaft?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ERdept, Oct 22, 2007.

  1. Oct 22, 2007 at 11:49 PM
    #1
    ERdept

    ERdept [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I notice lift kit ads everywhere that install shocks, springs etc and lift your truck 2-4 inches.

    When you do this, doesn't the length of the rear axle become farther from it's previous/stock location?

    If it's further away, doesn't the vehicle need to have a longer driveshaft?

    Just trying to understand the physics of it. My mind is saying, if you live the truck one mile high, for instance or 4 inches higher. The result is the same...

    Longer distance from transmission to rear axle. So I never see these kits offering any driveshaft changes.

    Or am I wrong about my logic?
     
  2. Oct 23, 2007 at 7:55 AM
    #2
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    You've got the right logic.... However - each driveshaft has a slip yoke which allows the driveshaft to move inward/outward depending on suspension travel. In most cases - that slip yoke has plenty of distance travel within it to compensate for mild/medium lifts. So it's not something that you need to be concerned with (for the most part).

    In higher lifts - it all depends - you'll experience driveline angle problems before you experience 'length issues'.

    If you have a high lift and a lot of suspension travel - you'll probably need a longer driveshaft .....however....it's the SLIP YOKE distance that's most important. The more distance in your slip yoke - the more that driveshaft can expand.

    If you've ever heard about Revolver Shackles.....they allow your suspension to travel A LOT and having an extended slip yoke is a necessity when running them or else your driveshaft will pull outta the splines at the slip yoke.
     
  3. Oct 23, 2007 at 3:50 PM
    #3
    fitter565

    fitter565 Active Member

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    +1, With the mild lifts that we can put on our trucks, the drive shaft only grows about a 1/2". Your thinking is correct but, the drive shaft and the truck run a such parallel angles the you don't see much growth.
     
  4. Oct 23, 2007 at 7:23 PM
    #4
    Taco-Jenn/FJ-Kyle

    Taco-Jenn/FJ-Kyle Member

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    Billet Grill, Grom Ipod Interface, de mudflapped, more mods to come.
    Thats a good question, and some good info.... now which lift to choose?
     
  5. Oct 24, 2007 at 12:49 AM
    #5
    pb2themax

    pb2themax Mod Master

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    A 3" lift only stretches the slip yoke about 1/4". Most slip yokes can travel several inches in and out. Lots of room for movement up or down.
     
  6. Oct 24, 2007 at 1:33 AM
    #6
    ERdept

    ERdept [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you community members and your knowledge.

    I tried to ask some people at work, even those who had their trucks lifted, and they didn't know the answer.

    These are the strange things that I lose sleep over. I wouldn't be able to comfortably be settled with any modification such as this unless I had this burning question answered. :eek:

    My neuroses revealed.
     
  7. Oct 24, 2007 at 7:57 AM
    #7
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    Nate
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    If you're going for a 3" i think the most popular lifts are toytec and revtech
     
  8. Oct 24, 2007 at 8:07 AM
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    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    I feel your pain...I've always had the urge *to know* that kinda stuff.....

    Don't ever lose that way of thinking - cuz that'll be the difference between doing something RIGHT (knowing what's involved) versus doing something half-azzed.

    Good Luck with your modification plans! Have fun with it!
     
  9. Oct 24, 2007 at 8:46 AM
    #9
    pb2themax

    pb2themax Mod Master

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    Boo for Revtek.

    Check out Donahoe Racing, Camburg, or SwayAway. Here's a good place to shop.
     

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