schmeal

Which Deavers are you running?

WarSurfer

I have Deaver +3 with LT shackles and my pinion angle is perfectly fine.

Think about it, LT shackles lower the rear end 1" - that means the driveshaft that normally is lower than the t-case at the rear axle will actually raise the rear diff about 1" or essentially the same angle as +2s plus you gain an inch of droop travel.

http://store.sdhqoffroad.com/synergy...ngshackle.aspx

schmeal

That's assuming all the springs have the same pinion angle to ride height relationship. Deaver builds springs with the correct pinion angle designed into the spring pack. When you drop the rear you are removing a few degrees of pinion angle = tan^-1 ( increase in shackle length/axle center to rear spring eye).

1. My guess is that it isn't as simple as you're making it
2. But... it is the wash and is probably a negligible change in pinion angle for our purposes (not worth arguing about)

Another point about droop. When I put my +2's, my shocks (fox 2.5 DCS) can't droop as much as the springs. Meaning my axle will only droop as far as the shocks will allow. Adding a LT shackle on my truck would be a waste because unless I switched over to a bed cage and longer travel shock I will never see the droop benefits of a LT shackle. You can only droop as much as your shortest travel component will allow.

sigma pi

How many degrees are we talking here and at how many degrees until it affects something? Are you planning on bed cage or cantilever? Do you run with an empty bed while going off road?

WarSurfer

Given that I'm strapped at 16" with no binding in my u joint, the degree or so difference at ride height is inconsequential.

You are correct though, if your droop is limited already by your shocks, LTs won't gain you anything.

schmeal

I've heard on average, you're looking for 2 deg (+-1 deg). Too high of pinion angle will increase the wear rate of your drive line.

schmeal

I agree with you, I'm sure there are guys running around with giant lift blocks on their trucks with horrible pinion angles and never run into any problems. But it never hurts to strive for a perfect setup.

I have wondered if I should strap mine since my droop is shock limited. I should call fox and ask them.



XLT poser raptor over here.

WarSurfer

You only need straps if you risk drooping out. It can damage the shocks to drop the rear on them at full extension.

schmeal

That looks to be a risk for my setup, I'd hate to damage my shocks getting rowdy on the trail.

WarSurfer

It's cheap insurance for sure. Remember to set the length an inch to an inch and a half short because they will stretch over time.