Diff drop install issues? Worth the Hassel?

I just got a 3" revtek lift and I was wondering if anyone has had issues with installing the diff drop, and would it hit the skid plate? Also, Ive been reading alot about them, and alot of people put them in and had really no change in angle. I would like some advise about this, please. Thanks!

 

my kit came with the 1" spacer drop for my '07 and honestly it was the easiest part of the whole lift install process. the back of the skid will touch the diff with the spacers, but not so much that it needs to be cut or is impossible to bolt up. don't know how much different it will be for a 1st gen though.......

 

Yeah, when I got it installed, I had no clue that it came with one, and they installed it untill i took a look under there, and was happy to see that they did. But Resently ive notice a slight vibration or what feels like a grinding, do you know what that could possibly be?

 

might check that none of your CV boots are cracked or torn. If its the cv's, you might also notice a "clicking" when load is applied to them, like when in 4wd or turning.

 

all right, i'll check it out. I thought it might be the cv's. but havent had time to check'em out. thanks!

 

well I checked my cv boots, and there not cracked, they look in really good condition and there's no "clicking" when in 4wd. I dont what it could be. Does anyone think they know what the slight vibration or what feels like a grinding, could be. Any appinions, please.

 

Are your tires rubbing? If that's not a problem, Try spacing the center bearing on your 2-piece drive shaft. It is very easy to do with just some washers. I put 4 washers on each of the 2 bolts and it got rid of a slight vibration that I was experiencing.

 

There won't be a dramatic change in angle with the diff. drop. You're talking about a 1" drop for a 3" lift. There is still 2" of lift affecting the angle.

 

No, the tires are fine, bc i just got the new wheels put on. I figured it would be the diff. drop. I geuss i can try putting washers in, But im not sure what your talking about, can you explain it or take pics of what you mean?

 

Re: Vibration.... I have the same issue. I suspect it is the hub itself, or possible the CV. I have manual hubs, but don't think it really matters manual or auto. The effect I imagine is the same regardless when you lift. Lifted mine and with in 2 months had to re-pack the driver's side hub. I agree that if you drop the diff. more it may lessen the vibration. I have a 4" lift and plan to drop the diff. 2" and see what happens. Although , I suspect there may already have been some collateral damage. I was anticipating replacing the hubs along with other upgrades (clutch, trainy, and diff. frt./rear) anyways since they have 150k+ miles on the Hoping to drop the diff. this weekend and possibly inspect the hubs. Keep us posted, I'll do the same.

 

I'll explain it to you now, but I will get some pictures up for everyone.

If you follow the driveshaft up fron the rear axle to the u-joint in the middle of the axle, you'll notice a bracket mounted to a crossmember. this suspends the center of the axle. It (the bracket) is held on with 2 bolts. Loosen both bolts enough to leave a gap large enough to accomodate the washers you plan to add. DON'T fully remove both bolts or the axle will drop on your face! Remove ONE bolt, add 3-4 washers between loose bracket and crossmember, put bolt back and tighten. Repeat on other bolt.

I can't remember if I used 3 or 4 washers, but they totalled about a 1/2". I didn't use anything special, just washers I had in my toolbox, all of the same size and thickness.

 

Here you go. The left side of the picture is the rear of the truck.

 

I see now! thanks man. But my vibration/grinding feeling, feels like it's in the front axle, did yours?

 

Yes it did. I thought it was my alignment. I did this 1st cause I had heard of other people doing it and it was free. Coincidentally, it fixed the problem. I can't guarantee it'll fix your problem, but it's worth a try.

 

True, ill give it a shot and see, thanks for the help!

 

Glad I could offer some, best of luck, and keep us posted.

 

ok, I just put 4 washers on it, and braught it down. The vibration is still there, and I dont know if I should just go lower or if that is even the issue. does anyone think they know what it could be. Advise please?

 

you dont want to drop it too far because the u-joints in the cardan joint will end up straight, and what happens is the joints dont move enough and the needle bearings in side will develop flat spots ruining the u-joints. If you shimed it and its still vibrating, i would look else where. check the front end out, how long has the lift been in??? this may sound dumb but make sure tahe the lift blocks (if you opt'd for that instead of springs) aren't in backwards. my truck was in an accident and had the rear end housing replaced and i got it back vibrating, broght it back they told me its cause its lifted. A-holes. about two days later i got the ingenious idea to measure the blocks, sure enough morons put them in wrong throwing off the pinion angle.

 

I'll check the blocks, But the lift has only been on like 3 or 4 weeks. and im pretty sure that its the front diff. But thanks for the advise!

 

Hey man, did you ever get your vibe/shudder fixed? For sure it is coming from the front CV's due to the lift. I've gone through this twice now and it is a bit nerve racking. The 1st time, I had a 3 inch Toytec kit on the truck, shudder and vibes, front and rear. Took it off and sold it. Now I have installed Bilstein 5100's all around with the fronts set at 1.75" with the rear TSB done. Same thing, except no rear vibe at all. The front shudder/hum sounds like nobby tires almost. It's so slight that my wife thinks I'm hearing things. I'm going to install a diff drop hoping it will help some. I keep hearing the diff drop is a joke but I'm willing to see if it helps. It didn't help with the Toytec kit, but it was 1.25" higher in the front. Just wanted to see if you got yours fixed.