thrashingcows

I'm going to be getting a proper transmission cross member into the old crewcab soon, and was wondering what the proper drive line angle should be.

I'll be installing new front motor mounts, and then a new NV4500 mount as well. Need to know how to go about setting up the truck so I can determine the proper drive line angle. I'm going to have to modify the stock cross member a bit to work with the NV4500 and mount, so I figured this would be the best time to make sure my drive line angle was correct.

Here are my thoughts. I will level out the frame under the cab, so the straight frame rail run will be level. Then from there I can install an angle finder on top of the motor and then adjust the transmission cross member to get the proper driveline angle.

Thoughts?

Bogie

Here is a bunch of info.

thrashingcows

Little too tired tonight to read all that, but I think I get the jist of what I need to do. Thanks for the Link!!

ClassA4x4

That link doesn't address the angle of the engine and transmission with respect to the horizontal. I'm curious what would be the "ideal" tilt-back of the radiator, engine and trans.

Robofig

I have the same questions.

I'm having a hard time finding any info regarding the center bearing height.

Any help would be great.

downhome

If things aren't jacked at hard angles, stressing the U-joints, things should be alright. The manual I was looking at when I installed my center bearing had some specifications that just could not be met. My rear driveline is a straight shot from the transfer case to the rear axle. It was difficult to find the correct center bering, parts guy kept coming back with the wrong one that his parts book said was right.

My center bearing is huge, and it is the only one that would fit the driveshaft. The manual wanted any angle taken up with the center u-joint, making the short stub coming out of the transfer case horizontal, then the long shaft angling down to the rear axle. Just couldn't be done. The drop from the center bearing makes it a straight shot. Truck runs fine.

thrashingcows

I've been thinking about this and I'm going to make sure my fan and clutch fan hub are square with my radiator. Right now I'm close, but I jacked up the tranny another 1/2" and it was about perfect. From there I will address my drive line angles.

Guys with all original trucks, is your fan and clutch fan square with your rads?

deanhinsley1963

With an angle finder on level ground see what the pinion angle is on the rear dif. you want the tranny at the same angle.

ClassA4x4

That will be impossible even for a slightly lifted vehicle; the engine and trtansmission will be at a very funny tilt.

CaptainChrysler

Equal, but opposite is what I have always heard.

So usually the rearend will be tilted up a few degrees, and the engine/trans tilted down a few.