Possible addition to the FAQ:
I want to upgrade to a cv rear shaft, by lengthening a front shaft. To rotate the pinion, I add shims to the correct angle. Then cut the pin from the springs and weld back in the correct location. Is this all I need to do?
Is this the time to raise the transfer case with a new crossmember?

Originally posted by criscfer
Possible addition to the FAQ:
I want to upgrade to a cv rear shaft, by lengthening a front shaft. To rotate the pinion, I add shims to the correct angle. Then cut the pin from the springs and weld back in the correct location. Is this all I need to do?
Is this the time to raise the transfer case with a new crossmember?




WTF?????

Whatever you do don't weld in the spring centering pin. You will compromise the upper and lower leaves. You only need to bolt it through the leaves. If it is long enough it will protrude through the shim and you won't need to buy a longer one.

You want to aim the pinion at the tcase if you are running a cv shaft in the rear.

I thought the spring pin would need to be rotated to a new angle. I haven't taken it off yet.
I have also wanted a new crossmember, and can raise the transfer case then. It seems like I should do this now while I'm getting a custom cv shaft made. This would effect the length and angle of the shaft, right?

criscfer, you really need to go to Roger's site (http://4crawler.cruiserpages.com/4x4/ForSale/Shims.shtml) and read up about axle shims before you attempt to do anything.

To answer your question about drivetrain lift. You will want to raise your drivetrain and then measure to determine the length of your new drive shaft. Roger Brown also discusses drivetrain lifts in great detail on the site listed above. He sells shims and drivetrain lifts also.

Step back from the welder and get reading. :flipoff2:

Originally posted by John Smith
Step back from the welder and get reading. :flipoff2:
Thanks for the tipz. The yoke on my shaft has broken, and I am QUICKLY trying to make some decisions on repairing my DD. I don't want to spend money twice, so these upgrades seem to make sense.

Originally posted by criscfer
I thought the spring pin would need to be rotated to a new angle. I haven't taken it off yet.
I have also wanted a new crossmember, and can raise the transfer case then. It seems like I should do this now while I'm getting a custom cv shaft made. This would effect the length and angle of the shaft, right?

Two options on shims, they can be bolted to the spring pack, possibly with a longer center bolt. For this type of shim, a pocket should be machined in the bottom fo the shim to let the center bolt head to sit flush:

http://4crawler.cruiserpages.com/4x4/ForSale/Images/Shim8t.jpg

The other option is to make the hole int he shim large enough for the head of the center bolt and then weld the shim to the perch:

http://4crawler.cruiserpages.com/4x4/ForSale/Images/Shim6t.jpg

Or, you can cut an rotate the spring perches on the axle.

More info at: http://4crawler.cruiserpages.com/4x4/ForSale/Shims.shtml