How do I set the rear pinion angle?

[Bill M.]

It'll only be 90 degrees if you're measuring the pinion angle via one of the two flats on either side of the differential cover. Those flats are 90 degrees/perpendicular to the actual pinion angle which should be the same as the driveshaft with a double-cardan driveshaft.

Like this...

View attachment 156409

View attachment 156410

Thanks Jerry,

This works great for the vertical angle if you don't have a alignment fixture, got any suggestions for the horizonal axis alignment?

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[Celticsfan]

Im in the same boat as the OP, tried using a jack but it kept slipping on the “snout” surface as it’s not level and angles upward, was hard to keep the jack in place/wheels not moving. I was going to try to match a rubber wheel chock block to see if I can match up the angle for a better hold.

also is there a better way to measure pinion angle? I’ve read and have been doing it like this but the digital angle finder is super finicky and jumps all over the place.

Thanks

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Im in the same boat as the OP, tried using a jack but it kept slipping on the “snout” surface as it’s not level and angles upward, was hard to keep the jack in place/wheels not moving. I was going to try to match a rubber wheel chock block to see if I can match up the angle for a better hold.

also is there a better way to measure pinion angle? I’ve read and have been doing it like this but the digital angle finder is super finicky and jumps all over the place.

Thanks

View attachment 157458

put the angle finder on one of the flat spots on either side of the diff cover (with the round holes in them)

these are 90 degrees from the pinion angle, so if they say 83, your pinion is at 7.

The only time I've had the snout want to slip off the front of the pinion was when I used a floor jack and didn't chock the rear wheels. The Jeep was wanting to roll backwards and the jack forward. I haven't had the issue with a bottle jack or the factory jack.

 

[Celticsfan]

put the angle finder on one of the flat spots on either side of the diff cover (with the round holes in them)


these are 90 degrees from the pinion angle, so if they say 83, your pinion is at 7.

The only time I've had the snout want to slip off the front of the pinion was when I used a floor jack and didn't chock the rear wheels. The Jeep was wanting to roll backwards and the jack forward. I haven't had the issue with a bottle jack or the factory jack.

Ahh I see I’ll give that a try and chock the wheels.

 

[bobthetj03]

Subtract from 90*.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Subtract from 90*.
View attachment 157629

hey, that backlight would be nice on my angle finder display.

 

[bobthetj03]

hey, that backlight would be nice on my angle finder display.

Amazon is your friend.