Front Diff drop Spacer install question

[RJP44]

Can the front diff drop spacers be installed after the torsion bars have been cranked and the truck re aligned? or will the truck need a new realignment after the spacers have gone in as well?

[Slimpim]

I cranked the torsion bar, replaced the UCA added Blistien 5100 shocks and spacers then had my 2015 GMC 2500HD frontend aligned. Truck ride was great. 3 months later I installed 1" differential spacers, did not affect the alignment at all but improved the steering feel alot. The differential is completely independent of the front suspension the axle splines just slide in and out of the differential as the suspension cycles.

 

 

[Waaazooo]

I cranked the torsion bar, replaced the UCA added Blistien 5100 shocks and spacers then had my 2015 GMC 2500HD frontend aligned. Truck ride was great. 3 months later I installed 1" differential spacers, did not affect the alignment at all but improved the steering feel alot. The differential is completely independent of the front suspension the axle splines just slide in and out of the differential as the suspension cycles.
 
 

You mentioned the steering wheel. I just got my truck back where they cranked my keys way up. The steering wheel feel really light and floaty.

How much are differential spacers? Difficult to install?


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[Slimpim]

I bought the set of differential steel spacers from Norcal Trucks. Not very expensive and if you have the right tools took about 1.5 hours to install.

 

[Waaazooo]

I bought the set of differential steel spacers from Norcal Trucks. Not very expensive and if you have the right tools took about 1.5 hours to install.
 

Right tools? I don’t have a lift, but I have jacks,ramps, jack stands, 1/2 drive sockets.


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[Slimpim]

Right tools? I don’t have a lift, but I have jacks,ramps, jack stands, 1/2 drive sockets.


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Verify you have the right deep sockets and can access the nuts in order the loosen everything. I used impact tools and was able to install without jacking the truck up. Loosen everything then install 1 spacer and bolt at a time. Keeping the differential aligned with the mounting holes was a pain but doable. Good luck.

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[Waaazooo]

Verify you have the right deep sockets and can access the nuts in order the loosen everything. I used impact tools and was able to install without jacking the truck up. Loosen everything then install 1 spacer and bolt at a time. Keeping the differential aligned with the mounting holes was a pain but doable. Good luck.

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Challenge accepted! Thank you!


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[Skeld]

Why is the diff spacer affecting steering wheel feel?

[Waaazooo]

I bought the set of differential steel spacers from Norcal Trucks. Not very expensive and if you have the right tools took about 1.5 hours to install.
 

So this is an amazing cluster-duck. I loosened up the front swapped out the driver side.. easy. 2 hours trying to get the whole lined up for the from passenger side. Any suggestions? I considered having my wife move the steering wheel and see if it would give me just enough movement. I do have the wheels on and turned to the side. Don’t know how to finesse this bolt in


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[Slimpim]

If I remember right I put the spacer in the gap then put my floor jack in the area and used the jack to offload the weight while using a drift to help align the hole. I do remember it was a pain in the ass but after fighting it I got the bolt in. Hope this helps  good luck.

[Waaazooo]

If I remember right I put the spacer in the gap then put my floor jack in the area and used the jack to offload the weight while using a drift to help align the hole. I do remember it was a pain in the ass but after fighting it I got the bolt in. Hope this helps  good luck.

I have my jack positioned on the pumpkin. I’ll move it closer to the side I’m working on. I was not sure if I replace the rear if it would even out the hole. Assuming it’s off because the fronts are lower to the ground than the rear


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[Slimpim]

I think the back of the differential is sagging and because of the large clearances in the bolt holes it allows it to shift towards the back of the truck. I recall putting the jack under the diff and jacking it up slowly while using a drift to align the hole. It was a real bear but I did the installation by myself. 

[Waaazooo]

I think the back of the differential is sagging and because of the large clearances in the bolt holes it allows it to shift towards the back of the truck. I recall putting the jack under the diff and jacking it up slowly while using a drift to align the hole. It was a real bear but I did the installation by myself. 

I don’t think I’m going to find a drift pin tomorrow. I might need to use a crow bar.


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[Slimpim]

Crow bar should work anything to help pry it into place.

[Waaazooo]

Crow bar should work anything to help pry it into place.

I loosened up the rest of the mounts and I was done about 20 minutes later. My CV angle is about 12*.

If I can work out a way to offset my bumper about 1/2”. Then I’ll lower it a little


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