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View Full Version : 80 series front drive shaft hitting sway bar after 2 inch lift ???

yogi_td80
02-07-2007, 09:12 AM
Just replaced the old sagging 2 inch suspension lift in my 80 series with new coils and after a weekend away I have noticed that the front drive shaft has been hitting the sway bar. What are others doing to avoid this ???


Thanks
yogi.
tempestv8
02-07-2007, 09:14 AM
How can the shaft be hitting the sway bar, unless the shocks is too long?

You mentioned replacing your springs - did you switch your shocks to a longer length too? Watch out, coz if the suspension is now "dropping" further than it should, it could also result in snapped ABS lines (very expensive) or even worse, snapped brake lines.
HDJ105
02-07-2007, 09:34 AM
Just replaced the old sagging 2 inch suspension lift in my 80 series with new coils and after a weekend away I have noticed that the front drive shaft has been hitting the sway bar. What are others doing to avoid this ???

Thanks
yogi.

Firstly, who did the lift - they should have checked that! If they haven't checked that did they check brake and ABS lines as tempestv8 stated.

Your new longer shocks are allowing the axle to droop further, usually off the shelf shocks (such as OME or Koni) to suit 2" lifts will not allow interference.

Easiest fix is to put some spacers in the sway bar mounts.
yogi_td80
02-07-2007, 09:44 AM
I am running the Old style (American made) Blue Max shocks to suit a 2 inch lift with King Springs model xxxx69 ...... I have already replaced the brake line as it split with the old springs and above shocks. Weather it was the suspension or the fact it was old and perished that caused the brake line to split I have no idea. How beat up can the drive shaft get before you need to look at replacing it ???
yogi_td80
02-07-2007, 02:51 PM
Maybe the drive shaft was damaged by the previous owner ........ I can't remember ever seeing that damage but never really inspected that part of the front shaft to closely !!!!
icrawl
03-07-2007, 09:34 AM
get ur castor angle checked i bet its out about 2 to 3 deg , if so put castor correction bushes in
yogi_td80
03-07-2007, 01:49 PM
I have 5 degree castor pushes in there now and have ended up with 4 degrees of caster after the lift and wheel alignment. This damage may have been done with the old shocks that I replaced or from the previous owner and I have only now noticed it ........ what is the best way to determine if this damage is occurring from me ...... should I wrap some tape around the sway bar where it's hitting or put a fresh coat of paint on the drive shaft ???
Jambo
03-07-2007, 05:45 PM
Could always loose the sway bars. Ive run the last 4 years without them. just a thought.
icrawl
04-07-2007, 08:40 AM
I have 5 degree castor pushes in there now and have ended up with 4 degrees of caster after the lift and wheel alignment. This damage may have been done with the old shocks that I replaced or from the previous owner and I have only now noticed it ........ what is the best way to determine if this damage is occurring from me ...... should I wrap some tape around the sway bar where it's hitting or put a fresh coat of paint on the drive shaft ???
yer u dont really need them same i took mine out too
roscoFJ73
04-07-2007, 09:20 AM
How beat up can the drive shaft get before you need to look at replacing it ???

The slightest damage to a driveshaft can result in serious vibration.
I would take it some one who can test the suspension travel,I wouldnt wait for more damage to occur.
REDROCKET
04-07-2007, 07:34 PM
Mine use to do this but that was with a 6" lift in it. I spaced the swaybar down with some blocks and then would still do it when on a steep incline and with the front flexin a bit! Solved the problem by removing it and could hardly notice the difference. I also removed the rear for a while but since put that back in as it was a little wandery on the highway!