Diff drop after lift.

Just installed bilstein 5100’s all around with OME rear leafs. Added drive shaft spacer, front springs are set on the top (4th) notch, freedom UCA’s. Got the alignment done and everything runs perfect. During the project I forgot about the front diff spacer and was curious if I can still add it without messing up any current setting etc?

 

I’d leave it off if you have no vibration issues. I did the same lift as you initially, and never installed a diff spacer. I subsequently installed OME coils and set 5100 to lowest setting. The height is similar but, again, I did not install the spacers and have never had issues.

 

Yeah I'm leaning that way. I also left on my stock springs, thats why I set them at the top to get a zero rake/ level look with the rear leafs. Appreciate the info

 

Curious what your innner cv boot angles look like... any ribs touching? In my case they did with a 2" lift... with the diff drop they don't. I've had the drop installed for 18 years with zero issues... original boots stilll look like new. I've removed the drop a couple times for short periods (ribs still touched and re-installed.) In my experience having the diff drop on or off didn't make any difference with the ride quality... still no vibrations and handled great.

 

Yes, you can add the diff drop without changing the geometry of your front suspension. If you do add it, it won't require a realignment.
Opinions vary on whether or not they're needed. If you don't have vibrations and your CV boots aren't bent to the point of rubbing bad, you can skip it.

 

X2 on what everyone else says. Dropping the diff wont affect your alignment. People drop the front diff to make the CV angles "happy."

 

I'll add that I've heard you don't need a diff drop if you run QUALITY cv axles; namely OEM toyota cv axles or CVJ axles out of denver. Cheap-o auto parts store axles might create issues (vibrations, clunking, popping).

My truck is leveled on Bilstein 5100s. Lifted the front 1in. I dont have a diff drop. No issues. But I also put new axles in at the same time.

 

2.5" lift on my truck.

Got 70K+ miles on the stock axles and boots before I changed them out,
No diff drop, no vibes.

Good luck with your truck.

 

dont do it. If you have a vibration that goes away in 4wd you need the diff bearing upgrade.

 

Thanks yall, I have zero vibration and took some photos of the cv boots. Think I’ll skip for now. I also did the ECGS bushing change, it drives great currently. Appreciate all the input!