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Differential angle

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2.2K views 12 replies 8 participants last post by  Roscoe7  
#1 ·
Image

Installed a 5.3 vortec with 4L60E in 57 Handyman Wagon. Ready to install crossmember but angles seam way off.
Rear end is stock and sits almost level, just barely nose up.
First time doing this but what I read is you want close to 3° up on rear end and 3° down on trans.
Is there any way to adjust rear end angle? Car is on blocks but level with all weight on wheels.
Best trans angle I can get is 4° down but then it starts to touch tunnel pinch weld. Used Earl Williams LS engine mounts.
Image

Sorry if my terminology isn't correct, as stated first timer at this.
Thanks in advance
 
#2 ·
3dogs57 said:
View attachment 425168
Installed a 5.3 vortec with 4L60E in 57 Handyman Wagon. Ready to install crossmember but angles seam way off.
Rear end is stock and sits almost level, just barely nose up.
First time doing this but what I read is you want close to 3° up on rear end and 3° down on trans.
Is there any way to adjust rear end angle? Car is on blocks but level with all weight on wheels.
Best trans angle I can get is 4° down but then it starts to touch tunnel pinch weld. Used Earl Williams LS engine mounts. View attachment 425167
Sorry if my terminology isn't correct, as stated first timer at this.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
you can purchase pinion angle shims that go on the perches.
 
#3 ·
I had to roll the pinch weld over to get the 3 degrees down on my engine/trans. My rear was down -1.5 degrees. I looked and no one had a 4.5 degree shims so I made a pair on my milling machine.

The engine trans should be close to 3 degrees as possible and be parallel. The do not have to be in line.
 
#5 ·
Some people get a bit carried away with driveshaft angle, I would assemble it, drive it, and see what happens.

I got confused working mine out. Fully assembled with the driveshaft in and used a socket on the front and rear driveshaft universal cups. The car doesn't need to be level, it is the difference between the readings (front/rear) that is important.

It took me a while, and against all logic and advice ended up with the nose of the driveshaft pointing downwards (used shims). No vibration until 120mph and then not bad, so that is good enough for me.

The 57 rear should live ok, if it is fitted with a posi. Mine does, 6.0 LS and 6L80, and many hard launches. The diff guy that I use said to make sure that the rear end has been warmed up prior to getting serious with the right foot and it will live for a long time. 5 years on and no problems.
 
#8 ·
3dogs57 said:
View attachment 425168
Installed a 5.3 vortec with 4L60E in 57 Handyman Wagon. Ready to install crossmember but angles seam way off.
Rear end is stock and sits almost level, just barely nose up.
First time doing this but what I read is you want close to 3° up on rear end and 3° down on trans.
Is there any way to adjust rear end angle? Car is on blocks but level with all weight on wheels.
Best trans angle I can get is 4° down but then it starts to touch tunnel pinch weld. Used Earl Williams LS engine mounts. View attachment 425167
Sorry if my terminology isn't correct, as stated first timer at this.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Never measure on "as cast surface"... of flange. Put u joint in it, measure off caps. Trans 3deg up, rear 3 deg down.... works, I have used 2 and 2.
 
#11 ·
Yes, mounts are welded in. When I did that I had engine at °4 down. Like stated, at that point it was barely off pinch weld. I guess I should have rolled pinch weld out of the way and got closer to 3. Didnt know that was an option. Now, I have read thats done often. Should have read first.

I was planning on pulling engine out again. I can roll pinch weld then and hopefully get another degree down without sressing mounts. Just getting things to fit correctly now.

I had not bothered to check pinion angle before, didn't think it would be off that far.
I will finish fitting the other stuff and then remove. Reassemble when ready, install driveshaft and then make needed adjustments to trans and pinion angles.
Thanks for the tips. Will likely be buying wedges when I know exactly how much ° I need.
 
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