Budget build preventative upgrade?

[stevenf]

I have a GM 12 bolt and a D44 for the front. Neither are on yet, Im working on the 12 bolt as of today. It is a c-clip axle but I am putting on disk brakes. I plan to run 35's and was wondering about c clip eliminators and pinion angles. Are c-clips notorious for breaking? Since Im doing disk brakes, should I not worry about the c-clip eliminator?
Also, before welding on new leaf spring perches, whats a good way to determine the pinion angle I should go with if I plan on 6-7" of lift? Should I just angle it up a few inches to allow less stress or should I go with stock levels?

 

[4x4junkie]

C-clips almost never break in any axle.

The issue most commonly mentioned on c-clip axles (wheel departure) occurs after the axle SHAFT breaks.
IIRC, GM 12-bolts have 30 spline shafts and are relatively strong, although not quite as strong as a 31 spline Ford 8.8".
With disc brakes I don't see a need for eliminators (most aren't made for offroad use anyway).

For the pinion angle, it's usually easiest to mock it up under the vehicle before fully welding the leaf perches.
Assemble the axle on the leaf springs and set it down, find the right angle you want, tack-weld the perches, then remove the axle and finish welding it.

Hope that helps.

 

[Capt Jay]

Eliminating the C-clip only allows you to change u-joints or fix axles with out having to open up the diff. It's purly for convience on a heavely used axle.

 

[847alexc]

C-clip eliminators are for high speed applications (required for racing in most tracks). They are not good for 4x4 use as the don't take vertical stress well. You may want to invest in a clear plastic pinion angle gauge for the springs, though you could eyeball it as well.