Shimming pinion.

[l8tapex]

I have some for my HD. I came across this about a Lightning.
I dont know what our's would be but its something to think about when lowering or suspension change.


What Pinion Shims Are Right For Me?


Q: I'm putting a 2/4 drop kit on my 2003 Ford Lightning. I want to order Belltech 2-inch drop spindles to keep the factory ride and 4-inch shackle/hanger kit for the for the rear. What degree pinion shims do I need for this kit?

A: Keep in mind the lightning is lowered from the factory using coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear. The addition of the spindles and the hanger/shackle kit will result in an overall drop of 3/6. Typically, after your vehicle is lowered you can take it to a shop and they can measure your driveline angle and let you know what shims you will need to correct it. For this application, we recommend using a 6-degree pinion shim to correct the driveline angle. This will keep your driveline angle straight and prevent any grinding that you may experience without pinion shims.

['02 H-D #677]

Good "rule of thumb" = 4* (up/down) for every 2" of net (drop/lift). Example = 2/4 drop equals net drop of 2" in rear. Hence, need 4* pinion angle up.

[Harley#356]

actually thats a bit opposite. a belltech 2/4 drop kit for a regular f150 will net a 1/4 drop. since the rears OEM drop is done with leafs, it'll keep the OEM drop and still add the 4" shackle hanger drop. the front will only be 1" net over stock since its replacing the 1" net OEM drop springs. doing 2" spindles will add a true 2" since the 1" OEM drop springs are still in place

['02 H-D #677]

actually thats a bit opposite. a belltech 2/4 drop kit for a regular f150 will net a 1/4 drop. since the rears OEM drop is done with leafs, it'll keep the OEM drop and still add the 4" shackle hanger drop. the front will only be 1" net over stock since its replacing the 1" net OEM drop springs. doing 2" spindles will add a true 2" since the 1" OEM drop springs are still in place

You are correct. Regardless of application, however, the "rule of thumb" (4* per 2") for the "net-net" still applies. It is still always best to actually measure the "angle of the dangle".

[Harley#356]

yep! one of these days i'll buy a cheapie angle finder and measure mine. i'm sure its off with a 4.5" rear drop and no shims at all

[Dbl G]

This is a good read: http://www.nhtoc.com/vbforum/showthread.php?t=18885