Max degrees rear pinion angle for short wheelbase, SOA rigs?

[organic]

Like the title says, How much can you clock the rear pinion, especially for a short WB with a soa? Seems like the pinion's pointing towards the sky, is there any problems running it like this? Is the only alternative a wheelbase stretch? Any advice appreciated, paranoid new CJ5 owner.

 

[Todd]

 

[martin]

Might be worth mentioning that if you have a slip yoke it would be a good idea to get a slip yoke eliminator kit. it's a very pipular mod on short w/b jeeps.

 

[4x4junkie]

Guessing you're asking due to oiling concerns? (how high up is it?)

If you fill the axle up a bit higher than what would otherwise be normal, most likely you'll be fine. Remember that the rotating gears and differential will keep a pretty continuous flow of oil circulating in there as well.

 

[organic]

Thanks 4x4Junkie, Yeah I was concerned about lubrication issues. Seems like it hasn't been a problem so far. I'm going to drain the rear soon, I'll give it a good look through just to make sure everything's ok.

 

[4x4junkie]

Yeah, just keep the oil level up in it, should be fine.

If I was going to guess just by looking at it, I would say my 8.8's pinion is pointed up something between 15-18° (dunno if that's more than yours or not). So far I've had no issues in 25K miles, though the 8.8's fill hole location is also raised with pointing it upward.

 

[organic]

I haven't measured but my guess is my pinion is about 22-25 degrees(maybe more). The lift was done by the previous owner. The front looks like it was also moved up alittle, not much. I think in doing so the knuckles pivoted down and the caster is way off, I think thats some of the reason why the steering feels a little loose. Any ideas? thanks, organic

 

[4x4junkie]

Too little caster angle will make the steering wander with little or no return-to-center, yes.

Better to sacrifice the pinion angle to get your caster angle correct.