Ive got my engine, tranny, and t-case set in my Patrol, but need some input.







My drivetrain is tilted just barely. The crankshaft center line cant be but a few degrees from flat. So in that aspect, I can go lower. With it like that, the horizontal distance between yokes is 17.5", and vertical distance between yokes is 10.75". That leaves my driveshaft angle at 31.5 degrees. I can drop it down to about 25 degrees by adding 5 more inches of wheelbase, which I can do if I have to. I could also tilt my t-case down 3", that would give me 24 degree angle on my driveshaft.

I just dont want my t-case to hang down too low like the solid-axle domestic full-size trucks.

This thing may see 3000 miles per year going to and from local trails, and thats about it. So Im not too worried about u-joint wear, and minor vibrations arent even noticable in the Patrol, so thats not a big concern either.

Any input? Anybody?

That's an extreme angle for a Ujoint driveshaft. Mine was less than half that and I was having bad vibration problems. You'll want to tilt that pinion straight towards the case and use a CV style driveshaft.

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Will the CV handle that angle? Its a K5 front driveshaft.

The angle will be reduced when you point the pinion at the transfer case. Make sure the CV isn't binding at full droop. Other than that it should be good.

A standard 1310 CV can do 26 degrees - I just got off the phone with JE Reel ordering my driveshaft, so that's fresh in the brain. There may be some applications that can do better...like something from High Angle driveline - I've heard some of their stuff can do up to 45 degrees, but can't confirm.

I think you're best off lowering that drivetrain a bit before you tip the pinion up.