Lifted Vehicles

Drivelines operate via a function of trigonometry. In a perfect world, they act in pairs that are parallel to one another whereby the angles are equal and opposite. When it is impossible to align the joints in parallel, as in the case of the lifted pick up, the method of angle cancellation is employed. Needless to say, no two applications are the same and it takes longer to do the trig than it does to turn a pinion 5 degrees.

In the case of a lifted 4x4, nothing is more important than setting the angles. By far the most common problems with these vehicles is the fact that the pinion shafts, both front and rear, are too flat, causing the driven UJ to bounce and absorb more thrust than a cowboy riding a prized bull.

Of course you have a vibration!

Here's a link to a page that illustrates driveline angles very well. Hat's off.

Strap vs U-Bolt If at all possible, we recommend using the old fashioned U-bolt yoke as oppossed to the new strap and bolt style. We couldn't tell you how many times we've seen a 4x4 rip straps and bolts, even the yokes apart. Unfortunately, Dana Spicer is moving to strap style yokes exclusively.	... A word about CVsWe view the constant velocity joint as a last resort, not a cure all. A CV joint is designed to compensate for a non parallel or 'compound' angle. It is not designed to operate at steep angles. Obviously, most lifted 4x4s need a CV joint due to the difficulties in turning a front pinion shaft high enough to offset the lift. Some companies grind yokes to increase clearance on their CVs, but we wonder what the life expectancy is in such an application. Any stock 1310 or 1350 CV operating at more than 20 degrees is in jeopardy of premature failure. Our 42 degree CV joint is the best thing we know of for the front driveline of a 4x4 that should come with its own ladder. We have literally hundreds of them out on the road today.
TCase Kit > Fixed Transfer Case Yoke or 'Slip yoke eliminator' More and more, manufacturers are using companion flanges on their transfer cases and differentials. It's a good move. However, because of this trend, the 'standard' CV assembly is no longer 'standard' and some of our costs have increased dramatically. When you're shopping prices, please try to compare apples with apples.
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