2.5-3 inch lift - diff drop longevity?

Curious since a "diff drop" only angles the front down a little ... have any of you had problems from this?

How long have you been running it?

Any issues?

How much did it really help CV angles? Pics maybe?

 

I did the diff drop on my Sequoia, I haven’t had any problems but it’s still been within a year. What pictures were you looking for? I can’t get them to you tonight, but after it stops I’d be happy to try and get some.

 

not needed, it brings other issues by adding it.

 

What issues?

 

Pics of CV angles. Wondering if it is better to just chop, do a bigger lift, and drop the whole diff down.

 

Hello, dropping diff changes the front drive shaft angle to change at the u joint. No drop diff will change CV angles. Its It's a toss up to which one is easier way long term to change out. Some say oil level in diff is different when you change it and that can cause issues. Overall, after thousands of miles its usually boots that crack. The mod were you pull the boots more twords the inside on both inner boots might help. I say I want zero vibration. Diff drop spacers come in many sizes. I prefer the ones that dont drop it so much as to pinch the rear support or third one to cause metal to metal.

 

Lifted the front up 2.5” no diff drop at 40,000 miles, it’s now close to 70,000 and I haven’t had an issue. I hear a diff drop is for 3” and above.

 

This was exactly why I asked ... wasnt sure if diff drops cause any other effects (like oil level changes) and the long term effects.

 

I did a 3 inch lift a few hundred miles ago without a diff drop. I’m fairly certain I need one now. That or modify the boots somehow?

Inner boot fins rubbing and showing some wear.

 

I don’t think it’s going to change that too much.

 

I'm getting the diff drop when I purchase my 3" complete lift kit from @Toytec Lifts

 

I put the 3" Toytec kit on at 40K.. At 99K now without any issues. I had to add a spacer to my Bud Built skid plate.

 

Super nice pics! Angles look very good ... wonder why the other 3 inch pics look so different. Heck your angles look better than the trd pro pics. Lol

 

Yes, I was surprised to see the angles on the other trucks. Not sure what's different. Maybe the shock length is longer on the newer trucks?

 

Not sure ... I didn't think there was a huge difference between 2nd and 3rd gen trucks for this.

 

here is a shot of my 2011 on 6112s top setting no shims or anythign else with a diff drop. Was it needed or does it help I dont know for sure.
I have since removed the sway ( Ilike it better without it) and put the stock skid plate back on

 

I am noticing that some vendors tell you how much the diff spacers drop. BDS and Readylift as an example state 1" drop . Seems about right as a 3" lift with the diff drop gets you down to a about 2" (what a trd pro is) seems not all vendors say his much they drop with their spacers. Guessing this could also be a variable in if there a "problems" or not

 

I've seen pictures of catastrophic failures when the differential got toasted because of the small spacer. cheaper to fix CVs than a diff.
Mostly Tacomas. check TW forum for the threads.

here is one

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/remove-the-differential-drop-on-your-05-tacoma.118545/

 

I think that was an accident waiting to happen due to poor install/design of the skid plate. The diff mount was left vulnerable when they made the ledge with the skid plate. I used a spacer to lower my skid plate at the front which keeps a smooth surface to slide over obstacles. I've slid the plate over several obstacles without damage. I also take it a bit easier if I know there may be contact at that location. There's also an oil pan under there that I like to keep in one piece whenever possible.

Are there any failures linked to the use of the spacers themselves or is it only from making contact with an object?

 

Curious.... this I'd exactly why I made this thread. Wanted to see if anyone had problems from these spacers. Not sure but glancing through the Tacoma thread ... looks like he hit something. But who knows

 

Looks like an EXTREME example. I'm sure that OP was jamming when he nailed a boulder.

 

Just a thought, and I may be wrong, but wouldn’t taller tires get ur CV back in alignment raising the hub? Obviously not cost effective, but if one is needing new tires or just got +3 of lift and new tires are on the shopping list then perhaps no need to drop (tilt) the diff. Those with more knowledge than me will hopefully chime in.

 

Please think about what you said, bigger tires will raise the whole hub along with the whole truck.

 

Yeah and that will bust just about anything. Lol

 

I thought perfectly straight was not good? Aren’t they made to be at an angle? Granted not an extreme angle.

 

No idea what the angle should be. Maybe pics of OEM to compare

 

Then if lots of people are saying diff drops are not that good. Why are differential relocation brackets not being recommended more.

 

I just started this thread to see if anyone could give some long term feedback of how running diff drops effected anything.

Plus since it only rotates the front down, was interested to see if that caused any problems (like fluid shifting forward and messing up toyotas design)

Oh and there seems to mixed reviews to make it more confusing as to how much it even helps angles Lol

 

For cv joints specifically. If you can diff drop the same amount of lift you have should be exactly the same angle as oem. I don’t see how this would change any longevity at all? The driveshaft angle obviously will be different though. That being said, u joints are fine with a ton of different angles. As long as they don’t bind I can’t see it being an issue...

I bought a diff drop kit but have yet to install for my 3.5” lift. Judging by my cv joint angle I will install.

I guess I see how it goes in 10 years haha

 

Lol true .... and in 10 years it won't matter. By then my boy will probably inherit it ... and ruin it as kids often do. Ha ha ha