Caster and Drive shafts
04-20-2011, 11:04 PM
#1
JK Super Freak
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Caster and Drive shafts
I have the OME HD lift on my 2 dr and got around 3.5" lift, with frt adj. lower CA's and my caster set around 6 degree's. When, I get new Coast F/R DS's and adj. rear CA's will I need to keep around the same caster angle with the new DC DS?
I understand that the pinion need to be more inline with the DS. So, will I need to get closer to the 3-4 degree range.
I understand that the pinion need to be more inline with the DS. So, will I need to get closer to the 3-4 degree range.
04-21-2011, 04:36 AM
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JK Enthusiast
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The greater the caster angle the more stable the steering. Just look at the caster on a dragster, wicked high but very stable at high speeds.
Ideally you would keep you caster angle the same as the angle on the drive flanges on the transfer case. A couple of extra degrees on the front will add steering stability. Factory spec calls for 4.5 degrees plus or minus 1.5 degrees.
If the drive shafts have universal joints and not CV joints you want a bit of difference in the angle between the differential and transfer case. This causes the bearings in the U joints to circulate and prevents premature failure.
To much difference can excessive vibration and failure also.
It's a balancing act.
Ideally you would keep you caster angle the same as the angle on the drive flanges on the transfer case. A couple of extra degrees on the front will add steering stability. Factory spec calls for 4.5 degrees plus or minus 1.5 degrees.
If the drive shafts have universal joints and not CV joints you want a bit of difference in the angle between the differential and transfer case. This causes the bearings in the U joints to circulate and prevents premature failure.
To much difference can excessive vibration and failure also.
It's a balancing act.
Last edited by jlarso; 04-21-2011 at 04:37 AM. Reason: Mis read post
04-21-2011, 08:18 AM
#3
JK Super Freak
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The greater the caster angle the more stable the steering. Just look at the caster on a dragster, wicked high but very stable at high speeds.
Ideally you would keep you caster angle the same as the angle on the drive flanges on the transfer case. A couple of extra degrees on the front will add steering stability. Factory spec calls for 4.5 degrees plus or minus 1.5 degrees.
If the drive shafts have universal joints and not CV joints you want a bit of difference in the angle between the differential and transfer case. This causes the bearings in the U joints to circulate and prevents premature failure.
To much difference can excessive vibration and failure also.
It's a balancing act.
Ideally you would keep you caster angle the same as the angle on the drive flanges on the transfer case. A couple of extra degrees on the front will add steering stability. Factory spec calls for 4.5 degrees plus or minus 1.5 degrees.
If the drive shafts have universal joints and not CV joints you want a bit of difference in the angle between the differential and transfer case. This causes the bearings in the U joints to circulate and prevents premature failure.
To much difference can excessive vibration and failure also.
It's a balancing act.
04-21-2011, 08:52 AM
#4
JK Enthusiast
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I have no idea how long the lift has been on it.
No drive shaft issues I am aware of and I do not plan on changing them unless I have to. I lengthened the front lower control arms to get 5.5 to 6 degrees of caster from 3 degrees. Helped the drive ability a lot.