Rear Suspension Installation/Setting Pinion Angle
05-27-2009, 11:02 AM
#1
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,994
Rear Suspension Installation/Setting Pinion Angle
Well after many threads about my options out back i have begun with ordering the LCAs and UCAs and a locator bar.
The Upper setup is from baseline suspension http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/kits/prolaunch1.htm
Also the locator bar
http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/k...acklocator.htm
The lowers i decided to get from UPR
http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2109
I should get everything next week sometime, and im going to install it myself.
I have read a good bit about the pinion angle and setting it, and i will be doing this oon jackstands and ramps since i dont have access to a lift. I also do not have air tools, just hand tools. Is there any tips or advice or things to look for while im under there? How about order of removal/installion of components? Should i do one side at a time with the lowers, then do the upper setup, then adjust?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help so far guys, i will keep you posted with the results too!
The Upper setup is from baseline suspension http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/kits/prolaunch1.htm
Also the locator bar
http://www.baselinesuspensions.com/k...acklocator.htm
The lowers i decided to get from UPR
http://www.uprproducts.com/shopping/shopexd.asp?id=2109
I should get everything next week sometime, and im going to install it myself.
I have read a good bit about the pinion angle and setting it, and i will be doing this oon jackstands and ramps since i dont have access to a lift. I also do not have air tools, just hand tools. Is there any tips or advice or things to look for while im under there? How about order of removal/installion of components? Should i do one side at a time with the lowers, then do the upper setup, then adjust?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help so far guys, i will keep you posted with the results too!
05-27-2009, 11:33 AM
#2
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: IL
Posts: 894
Good thread, i'm going to be doing the same thing too. I tried to find the correct setting for pinion angle but it looked like u need some type of specialized tool to dial it in. UPR sent me the poly/poly lca's at first, so when the adjustable spherical arms came I just adjusted them to the none adjustable length. I don't know what to do about the uppers excepet adjust them to the stock uca length. i will gladly take any advice u have.
p.s. Did u install the STB yet?
p.s. Did u install the STB yet?
05-27-2009, 11:39 AM
#3
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,994
Good thread, i'm going to be doing the same thing too. I tried to find the correct setting for pinion angle but it looked like u need some type of specialized tool to dial it in. UPR sent me the poly/poly lca's at first, so when the adjustable spherical arms came I just adjusted them to the none adjustable length. I don't know what to do about the uppers excepet adjust them to the stock uca length. i will gladly take any advice u have.
p.s. Did u install the STB yet?
p.s. Did u install the STB yet?
No i have not installed a Strut Tower Brace yet if thats what you are referring to. I have not even ordered one actually, but i am definitely looking at some. I am hoping some else who has done this will post up some tips on the install, if not i will post my own after i install it.
05-27-2009, 11:41 AM
#4
Resident Ford Troll
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Delaware
Posts: 6,716
Didnt I say in your last barage of threads on this to not get the adjustables and come on here and ask how to adjust them 
Set them to stock length, and fiddle with them if you think you need to.
The correct pinion angle is basically -2*... The only "special" tool needed it an angle gauge with a magnet so you can attach it to the diff housing. What you are doing is setting the rear so when you accelerate hard, it will equal out to about 0*. Also, you need to set the angle with the whole weight of the vehicle on the suspension (like it would be sitting on the ground.) NOT hanging up on jackstands... An alignment rack is the best way to do it.
And doin an LCA/UCA install without air tools is going to be fun. The bolts can be pretty stubborn. You will need a good 18mm wrench and socket (plus some sockets/swivels/extensions) to get the front lower control arm bolts out. You might also have to pop the mufflers out of the hangers and move them. ( Thats how I always got easier access to the bolts)
Set them to stock length, and fiddle with them if you think you need to.
The correct pinion angle is basically -2*... The only "special" tool needed it an angle gauge with a magnet so you can attach it to the diff housing. What you are doing is setting the rear so when you accelerate hard, it will equal out to about 0*. Also, you need to set the angle with the whole weight of the vehicle on the suspension (like it would be sitting on the ground.) NOT hanging up on jackstands... An alignment rack is the best way to do it.
And doin an LCA/UCA install without air tools is going to be fun. The bolts can be pretty stubborn. You will need a good 18mm wrench and socket (plus some sockets/swivels/extensions) to get the front lower control arm bolts out. You might also have to pop the mufflers out of the hangers and move them. ( Thats how I always got easier access to the bolts)
05-27-2009, 11:48 AM
#5
5th Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 2,994
Didnt I say in your last barage of threads on this to not get the adjustables and come on here and ask how to adjust them
Set them to stock length, and fiddle with them if you think you need to.
The correct pinion angle is basically -2*... The only "special" tool needed it an angle gauge with a magnet so you can attach it to the diff housing. What you are doing is setting the rear so when you accelerate hard, it will equal out to about 0*. Also, you need to set the angle with the whole weight of the vehicle on the suspension (like it would be sitting on the ground.) NOT hanging up on jackstands... An alignment rack is the best way to do it.
And doin an LCA/UCA install without air tools is going to be fun. The bolts can be pretty stubborn. You will need a good 18mm wrench and socket (plus some sockets/swivels/extensions) to get the front lower control arm bolts out. You might also have to pop the mufflers out of the hangers and move them. ( Thats how I always got easier access to the bolts)
Set them to stock length, and fiddle with them if you think you need to.
The correct pinion angle is basically -2*... The only "special" tool needed it an angle gauge with a magnet so you can attach it to the diff housing. What you are doing is setting the rear so when you accelerate hard, it will equal out to about 0*. Also, you need to set the angle with the whole weight of the vehicle on the suspension (like it would be sitting on the ground.) NOT hanging up on jackstands... An alignment rack is the best way to do it.
And doin an LCA/UCA install without air tools is going to be fun. The bolts can be pretty stubborn. You will need a good 18mm wrench and socket (plus some sockets/swivels/extensions) to get the front lower control arm bolts out. You might also have to pop the mufflers out of the hangers and move them. ( Thats how I always got easier access to the bolts)
