help finding pinion angle shim
Hey guys i recently put on rear lowering shackles on my 2010 f150 and now i have to correct my pinion angle. I also have my factory blocks removed too so the normal 2.5 degree shim included with kit wasnt enough. After measuring, i figured i need a 6 degree shim. The problem is every 6 degree shim i find online doesnt have the two centering holes to retain the shim? Most of them just have one and seem to come with some bolts which makes no sense. I must be missing something can someone fill me in please!?
For whatever reason pinion angle shims are hard to come by for the F-150. I've found no reasonably priced source. I would suggest calling Bell Tech to see if they have something for you, might be pricey comparatively however.
How much did you drop your truck? What are your driveline angle measurements, and U-joint operating angle calculations?
How much did you drop your truck? What are your driveline angle measurements, and U-joint operating angle calculations?
my pinion is still pointing up 2.5 degrees higher than my tranny tailshaft with the 2.5 degree shim( fat end to the back) So to parallel them i figured a 6 degree shim was needed to get the normal -2 to -3 degrees, or parallel. Actually a 5 to be exact but i havent seen a 5degree so i was opting for 6. Every shim i see a pic of doesnt look right at all. i removed my factory blocks, and installed a 2 in lowering shackle, then i added a RAS and a set of air bags so i can hold it level while towing heavy.
the 6* degree shims may be too big to use with the OEM center pins that is why you're seeing them with the pins included.
Here are 4* shims that i may utilize on my '13 fx2 to replace the 2.5* shims as they weren't enough
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/exp-90103/overview/
6* shims, you may want to confirm with other members that the new center pins are needed.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfy-90019/overview/
Here are 4* shims that i may utilize on my '13 fx2 to replace the 2.5* shims as they weren't enough
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/exp-90103/overview/
6* shims, you may want to confirm with other members that the new center pins are needed.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/tfy-90019/overview/
my pinion is still pointing up 2.5 degrees higher than my tranny tailshaft with the 2.5 degree shim( fat end to the back) So to parallel them i figured a 6 degree shim was needed to get the normal -2 to -3 degrees, or parallel. Actually a 5 to be exact but i havent seen a 5degree so i was opting for 6. Every shim i see a pic of doesnt look right at all. i removed my factory blocks, and installed a 2 in lowering shackle, then i added a RAS and a set of air bags so i can hold it level while towing heavy.
If the thick end of the shim is toward the rear it will raise the pinion nose.
Pictured on the right is an shim from SPC 2.5 degree, works on the F-150. Results may vary. Instead of having two holes they've slotted the rear hole entirely. This made aligning the rear axle not a pleasure, had to use ratchet straps to get the rear square with front wheels upon tightening the U-bolts. Took 3 attempts of loosening, adjusting yaw of the axle, and tightening the U-Bolts to get it back right.
Pictured on the left is an SPC general purpose shim. 1 degree. It will work with some fabrication in length, and to machine the centering hole oriented like the unit pictured on the right. SPC has the units on the right available in quantities of six at Summit R@cing for around $35. SPC has the units like the one pictured on the left in about any width, length, and degree you would want, but would need additional fabrication. Depends on how bad of a pinch your in.
Last edited by joedotmac; Jun 24, 2015 at 11:43 AM.
To move the pinion nose down, you need to have the thick end of the shim oriented toward the front of the truck.
If the thick end of the shim is toward the rear it will raise the pinion nose.

Pictured on the right is an shim from SPC 2.5 degree, works on the F-150. Results may vary. Instead of having two holes they've slotted the rear hole entirely. This made aligning the rear axle not a pleasure, had to use ratchet straps to get the rear square with front wheels upon tightening the U-bolts. Took 3 attempts of loosening, adjusting yaw of the axle, and tightening the U-Bolts to get it back right.
Pictured on the left is an SPC general purpose shim. 1 degree. It will work with some fabrication in length, and to machine the centering hole oriented like the unit pictured on the right. SPC has the units on the right available in quantities of six at Summit R@cing for around $35. SPC has the units like the one pictured on the left in about any width, length, and degree you would want, but would need additional fabrication. Depends on how bad of a pinch your in.
If the thick end of the shim is toward the rear it will raise the pinion nose.
Pictured on the right is an shim from SPC 2.5 degree, works on the F-150. Results may vary. Instead of having two holes they've slotted the rear hole entirely. This made aligning the rear axle not a pleasure, had to use ratchet straps to get the rear square with front wheels upon tightening the U-bolts. Took 3 attempts of loosening, adjusting yaw of the axle, and tightening the U-Bolts to get it back right.
Pictured on the left is an SPC general purpose shim. 1 degree. It will work with some fabrication in length, and to machine the centering hole oriented like the unit pictured on the right. SPC has the units on the right available in quantities of six at Summit R@cing for around $35. SPC has the units like the one pictured on the left in about any width, length, and degree you would want, but would need additional fabrication. Depends on how bad of a pinch your in.
I called belltech and confirmed the 4979 shim has one hole plus the slot which is what i have now and worked great. He said some pictures just arnt exact to the product your getting which is stupid. But he confirmed they will fit my truck and the extra bolts are included only because its a universal kit so it can accomodate a variety of trucks.
Also, i didnt have any problem installing the 2.5 degree shims with the slot..I just did one side at a time so i dont see how the rear end could move..
Last edited by tyguy88; Jun 24, 2015 at 12:11 PM.





