Axle shims

I ordered the complete ome kit w/886's off of wheelers last week and I didn't go with the axle shims. The kit comes with the carrier bearing drop. Should i order the axle shims and just take care of it while i am putting the lift on? I wouldn't even lift the truck but i really want a plate bumper with winch on the front and this seems to be my only option.

 

By complete kit I'm assuming you got the Dakar leaf pack as well? If so, then yes you should get the shims and the centering pin spacer. Much easier to do it all at once. Even if you don't install them, at least get the centering pin spacer installed so putting in shims later won't be nearly as difficult.

Also, you can run a plate bumper and winch at stock height using other coils. A lift was not your only option but you're a little late on that one.

 

From what I've read so far about shims, they are not garunteed to stop vibes, neither is a CB drop. I beleive a lot of guys go with the lift first, see if anything vibes, than try one or the othere between the CB Drop or the shims, if one doesnt work, than add the other to see if it does. That is what I plan on doing at least, someone correct me if Im wrong

 

You're correct. I edited my first post. You should at least put the centering pin spacers in during the install otherwise you need to tear apart the leafs to install shims later. Shims seem to be more effective than the CB drop when it comes to rear driveline vibrations.

 

i just installed the same lift. i used a CB drop. no shims and i have no vibes at any speed.

 

that is encouraging to know.

 

where can i get the centering pin spacer from? That is a good idea to put that on there and just add the shim later if need be

 

are you running the stock UCA's?

 

no i have LR UCA's

 

The only time I've ever used shims is with one piece drive shft apps, where theres no "buffer" (2 piece dbl Cardan), So far just dropping the carrier to correct drive angle has been enough . & why are you guys splitting the leafs to put shims in anyway ? Unless your springs manufac. has a reason for it, shimming the axle is done right on top where the center pin drops in , a shim plate will be the first point of contact to axle whether or not the overload is on or off..

In any event if after trying all the usual fixes & still have vibes ya may have done what a ton of people have done (including myself years ago)

You failed to mark the flange where the shaft bolts up to the diff. & now the drive shaft is out of balance, have fun with all that !!

this only applies if you dropped your driveshaft to change springs

 

4WD,

Doug, couldn't / shouldn't you measure the angle of the driveshaft before changing anything? Then adjust either the carrier or axle to return to that same angle?

 

On a stock suspended vehicle you could measure or make note of current angle & make adjustments accordingly, to get "deadnuts" accurate you'd need to get a protractor w/degree wheel to get true angle, but this isn't usually necessary, I've helped a couple friends of mine years ago build a 1/4 mile car & it had a shortened one piece shaft & it HAD to be 100% aligned, any other vehicle not so much..

 

does anyone have any info on the centering pin. I would like to order one and put in in the leaf pack before the install incase i need to shim later

 

3/8 diameter IIRC

 

sorry but what is IIRC?

 

If I Recall Correctly, IIRC.

 

yes. 3/8"

 

anyone know the best place or any place these can be ordered

 

Whats the best carrier bearing drop kit?

 

I got mine at a local spring shop

Depends , the OME one is cheap , and helps some people . For those it doesn't correct , there is the Beefed Taco CB Drop