Dana 30 pinion angle

[Eddie Greenlee]

I read a little on Tom woods page and from what I gathered the angle between the pinion and drive shaft does not need to match exactly In order for the pins inside the U joints to spin properly. So I’m guessing a 1 to 1.5 deg od difference is good. Did I read that right ?

 

[bobthetj03]

An angle finder will measure the pinion angle directly when held against the flats as shown. No need to subtract from 90 degrees.

View attachment 175783

I have a digital angle finder, so I have to subtract from 90*. The one you pictured you don't have to, so my mistake.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

I have a digital angle finder, so I have to subtract from 90*. The one you pictured you don't have to, so my mistake.

That's whatcha get for using one of them there fancy-assed digital browser internet 20th century tools that aren't as good as my 19th century no-battery one-step up from a plumb-bob tool.

 

[Eddie Greenlee]

Well I did it. Wasn’t hard at all. Just took a little time. one full rotation moves things a good bit. I measured and twisted and measured till I got some better numbers. Caster Is at 6+deg. Pinion is at about 8deg. Axle is about 10 Deg. Went out on the Hwy and the steering wheel never vibrated.

 

[Eddie Greenlee]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help. I’m going to an alignment shop tomorrow and just check a few things out .

 

[Eddie Greenlee]

What is your current pinion/ds angle? 1 degree high is ideal but not always practical.

Which were you referring to being 1deg higher ?

 

[hosejockey61]

I think everyone is complicating it here way more than it needs to be. Pinion angle in the front takes precedence over caster. If you get your pinion dialed in at zero degrees and still have vibrations, then adjust until the vibe is gone. The whole plus one or minus one degree is irrelevant. Adjust until the vibes are gone. What good does plus or minus a degree do when you still have vibrations? Zero degrees is the best "starting" point. Adjust up or down until gone. Caster will be what it will be.