Discuss How do you check/set pinion angle? on AllFordMustangs.com, the place for Mustang enthusiasts.
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I've been curious about this for some time. I have an adjustable UCA, so I know I can do this. What is needed to do the adjustment and make sure you are at the correct setting? If I can figure this out, I'll install my driveshaft myself and save myself about $200.
The article doesn't seem vehicle specific. Is the pinion angle the same on most vehicles or are we looking for a specific value/angle on S197 Mustang GT's?
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2006 Mustang GT, 76mm Turbo Kit, Diablo Mafia, 3:73 Gears, Flowmaster Mufflers, Steeda Sport Springs, Pro Action Struts, Upper Strut Mounts, X5 Balljoints, Bumpsteer Kit, Eibach Sway Bar Kit, Edelbrock Panhard Bar, Foose Nitrous Wheels, GT500 Wing, CDC Chin Spoiler, CDC Blackout, SOS Pillar Pod, Auto Meter Sport Comp II gauges, Steeda Billet Lower Control Arms, Steeda Adjustable Upper Link, Spydershaft Aluminum DS, BMR Safety Loop.
One big source of confusion is always what you're measuring against, and why you're doing it.
The goal here is to have the pinion and the drive angle exactly the same during acceleration. For every degree that it's not the same, you lose power.
Remember that the drive line angle is the angle of the engine crankshaft/transmission main shaft. Not the drive shaft.
Under power, the pinion will rotate upward, as the front of the tires move downward. So, depending on your set up, you have to guess about how much the pinion will rotate. Baseline Suspensions provides some good guesses towards the top of the page, in red lettering.
OK, here's the tricky part. DO NOT measure the pinion angle against the horizon/ground. You measure it against the drive line (not drive shaft) angle. The driveline angle (AKA Power Angle) is usually 4-5*. It's easy to measure on the front of the harmonic balancer. The front of the engine points up.
Under acceleration, the front of the pinion should also point up the exact same amount - say 5*
For a stock suspension, expect the pinion to rotate up about 3-4*. That means the front of the pinion should point up 1-2* at rest. Under power, it will increase by 3-4*, and that gives you the recommended 4-5*. Which equals a 0* pinion angle.
Confused? Draw it out on a piece of paper, and it makes more sense.
Does lowering the car affect how the angle should be set in relation to having a one-piece driveshaft? I figured -2* would be fine, but is this different because my car is lowered?
Does lowering the car affect how the angle should be set in relation to having a one-piece driveshaft? I figured -2* would be fine, but is this different because my car is lowered?
You'll need to play with the angle to ensure you have tunnel clearance. Will also need to ensure it clears your safety loop.
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AFM Site Administrator
2005 Mustang GT
2007 Corvette Z51
I really can't see getting that much axle rotation (5 degrees)with a coil spring suspension with control arms. With a leaf spring car and alot of spring wind up, I would say yes.
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07 GT premium in Grabber Orange. 5spd. manual w/ a few bolt-ons.
One big source of confusion is always what you're measuring against, and why you're doing it.
The goal here is to have the pinion and the drive angle exactly the same during acceleration. For every degree that it's not the same, you lose power.
Remember that the drive line angle is the angle of the engine crankshaft/transmission main shaft. Not the drive shaft.
Under power, the pinion will rotate upward, as the front of the tires move downward. So, depending on your set up, you have to guess about how much the pinion will rotate. Baseline Suspensions provides some good guesses towards the top of the page, in red lettering.
OK, here's the tricky part. DO NOT measure the pinion angle against the horizon/ground. You measure it against the drive line (not drive shaft) angle. The driveline angle (AKA Power Angle) is usually 4-5*. It's easy to measure on the front of the harmonic balancer. The front of the engine points up.
Under acceleration, the front of the pinion should also point up the exact same amount - say 5*
For a stock suspension, expect the pinion to rotate up about 3-4*. That means the front of the pinion should point up 1-2* at rest. Under power, it will increase by 3-4*, and that gives you the recommended 4-5*. Which equals a 0* pinion angle.
Confused? Draw it out on a piece of paper, and it makes more sense.
I need a Tylenol already
__________________
AFM Site Administrator
2005 Mustang GT
2007 Corvette Z51
All the diagrams for setting pinion angle show a U-joint between the drive shaft and rearend, my 07 GT doesn't have one. The shaft is bolted to the rearend. So where do I check for the angle?
How do you check/set pinion angle? 
