tail shaft spacers

[Damage]

Hi all I was just wondering if anyone has had to use tailshaft spacers and why did you have to use them? After my suspension lift I was getting some vibration so I have spaced the centre bearing but it is still there a little. A mate from work suggested that it could be that the tailshaft has moved out to far or something. I had a 2" lift and the centre bearing has been spaced 20mm. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Cheers Damo.

[fridgie]

I run a tailshaft spacer for that exact reason, 2" lift caused vibration, rotated centre bearing which reduced it then added spacer which all but eliminated it. Still to fit a gearbox spacer to completely get rid if it

[VMN]

I think it is a known issue but not for all trucks. Some people run a one piece tailshaft.

It is preferable to have your tailshaft retubed than use a spacer. this will cost about $200.

[Damage]

This is interesting because I have heard of most people spacing the centre bearing but not the tailshaft. And I didn't even know about retubing it. Can I ask what sort of places do this?

[rodw]

This is interesting because I have heard of most people spacing the centre bearing but not the tailshaft. And I didn't even know about retubing it. Can I ask what sort of places do this?

Sorry I changed logins, but you get that.

You could try Driveline Services who I think are in all states. When I had one done for another vehicle, I used a company in Brissy close to me that specialised in CVs and drive shafts called Petron.

You could try the DIY solution with a chopsaw and a welder but they have to be trued and also balanced as part of the process otherwise you will be no better off..

I think the problem is that the tail shaft lengths have been optimised in conjunction with the centre bearing position and once you lift the vehicle, the shaft assembly becomes a little bit out of phase. 20mm spacer may not be quite enough.

[Damage]

Thanks for that Rod. I will look into it.

[Steve9R]

Does anyone on here run tailshaft spacers on their lux ?

I had a 2" lift and the centre bearing has been spaced 20mm.

when you say you spaced the centre bearing 20mm are you talking about spacing it lower on the mounting bracket ? or extending the shaft length with a spacer ?

Steve

[Hilux Max]

I find this interesting...Ive never had an issue and me neighbour when he had a 4-5" COILOVER lift in his hilux said he never had any vibration even at that height.

[crosssport]

It,s not about the tailshaft moving out. It is the driveline angle changes slightly once lifted, this can cause slight shudder/vibration. I have fitted quite a few suspension kits and sometimes this vibration is noticeable other times not. Can depend on the ammount of wait over the rear axle. The fix is to fit 1 degree castor wedges to correct drive line angles. I now fit them on all late model suspension lifts.
Hope this helps

[Damage]

Yes steve the bearing has been spaced lower.

Crossport I have heard people using castor wedges I will follow this up.
Cheers Damo.

[fridgie]

Forgot to mention my kit (ultimate) came with the castor wedges also. Having a 2piece tailshaft (triton anyway) it is quite common for us, looks to me like it was a combination of angle and length on mine as each little bit I do removes more of the vibration

Not that it was THAT bad to begin with

[Damage]

Crossport is a 1 degree castor wedge the standard for a 2" lift? I'm just trying to get as much ammo for when I take it to get it fixed.

[crosssport]

Damo,
We were coming across this problem on some but not all vehicles, however to be on the safe side my EFS supplier now recommends fitting them on every job. I just quote the job now including the castor wedges. They aren't that much to buy and in the overall cost of a suspension kit it may add $40.
I don't think all suspension brands would include the wedges, and some places may not even know about them.
If you get stuck let me know and I can arrange some for you

[MADDOG]

My EFS kit is one that Crosssport speaks of. It would shudder when the rear was unloaded, changing down to second gear when I was bring the car to a stop during daily driving. Put a heavy load in the back and the shudder would disappear. Crosssport sourced some 1 degree castor wedges and we whacked them in and it solved the problem.

[Damage]

Cheers for that guys, I have been on the EFS website and seen them there I will ring the place that installed the kit and ask them if they can do it. I think they should beacuse there a very well known 4x4 shop here in Brisy and also EFS is only 15 - 20 mins away from them.
Damo.

[Damage]

Well I am getting some wedges installed on Wednesday so hopefully it will be sorted. The guys there said they have been through this before so I have to wonder why this is not a standard part of the kit.

[Damage]

Just thought I would do a bit of an update here I had the wedges install and what do you know, no shudder, no vibration. I can't believe more shops don't make this a standard thing or at least let you know about it.
Damo.

[hendoshane]

Is it possible for a total amateur to install these wedges at home in the driveway or is a specialist thing?

Just wondering because I'm keen to be rid of the shudder for minimal cost. If not DIY, what approx cost is it to have these installed by shop?

Cheers,
Hendo

[crosssport]

Hendo,
You could do it at home, you just need to drill out the hole in the caster wedge to accomdate the leaf pack centre bolt. Then mount the wedges between the diff and springs, with the thickest part of the wedge to the rear of vehicle.

[barn]

I installed the 50mm EFS lift last weekend, I have been trying to figure out the what to do about the vibration today. I spaced the centre bearing about 10mm and it improved a bit, then 25mm and it was just as bad again. I will go back to the 10mm until I can get the wedges. I might check ARB or TJM in the morning. It was good to get this info to confirm what I was told today. I don't want any vibration in my you beaut new ute.