Upper Control Arm & Pinion Angle Questions

[copracer288]

I'm looking at upgrading my Upper Control Arm.

With stock suspension, is it beneficial to have an adjustable UCA?

And, as far as pinion angles go, what is considered ideal and what is the factory angle?

 

[COYO TT]

Im going to add to this question and ask if an adj. UCA is necessary for a standard 1-1.25" drop and the effects on pinion angle

 

[S197 GT]

The optimum angle will differ based on the application, but -3* would be a good starting point.

 

[BMR Tech]

Optimum Pinion angle, does indeed vary.

The main purpose of obtaining proper pinion angle, is to prevent binding within the drivetrain (driveshaft, joints)

The goal is to not have too much negative, or too much positive angle when the drivetrain is under load (when driving, or WOT)

Generally, -2* is a good setting if you have poly bushings. Up to -3* if you are still rocking the rubber stuff.

If you are running all solid ends on your rear suspension, -1* to 0* will usually be good.

Lowering the car will not majorly affect the pinion angle in a negative manner.

UCA is not a "must have", nor is it highly beneficial for stock suspension.

 

[Wicked97]

Optimum Pinion angle, does indeed vary.

The main purpose of obtaining proper pinion angle, is to prevent binding within the drivetrain (driveshaft, joints)

The goal is to not have too much negative, or too much positive angle when the drivetrain is under load (when driving, or WOT)

Generally, -2* is a good setting if you have poly bushings. Up to -3* if you are still rocking the rubber stuff.

If you are running all solid ends on your rear suspension, -1* to 0* will usually be good.

Lowering the car will not majorly affect the pinion angle in a negative manner.

UCA is not a "must have", nor is it highly beneficial for stock suspension.

good post. I agree 100%

 

[copracer288]

Optimum Pinion angle, does indeed vary.

The main purpose of obtaining proper pinion angle, is to prevent binding within the drivetrain (driveshaft, joints)

The goal is to not have too much negative, or too much positive angle when the drivetrain is under load (when driving, or WOT)

Generally, -2* is a good setting if you have poly bushings. Up to -3* if you are still rocking the rubber stuff.

If you are running all solid ends on your rear suspension, -1* to 0* will usually be good.

Lowering the car will not majorly affect the pinion angle in a negative manner.

UCA is not a "must have", nor is it highly beneficial for stock suspension.

Thanks for the info! What is the pinion angle normally from the factory and if I get a non-adjustable UCA, will I be in the ballpark with the angle?

 

[Digital_Synapse]

Optimum Pinion angle, does indeed vary.

The main purpose of obtaining proper pinion angle, is to prevent binding within the drivetrain (driveshaft, joints)

The goal is to not have too much negative, or too much positive angle when the drivetrain is under load (when driving, or WOT)

Generally, -2* is a good setting if you have poly bushings. Up to -3* if you are still rocking the rubber stuff.

If you are running all solid ends on your rear suspension, -1* to 0* will usually be good.

Lowering the car will not majorly affect the pinion angle in a negative manner.

UCA is not a "must have", nor is it highly beneficial for stock suspension.

I was told with my Sportlines, that I need an adjustable UCA because I can break my DS.

 

[cshiznitzj]

UCA with stiffer bushings will help negate the wheel hop. Lowering the car will bring the pinion angle closer to zero (theoretically possible to go positive if lowered enough). It is not difficult to change the UCA with a double adjustable, actually easy install. I set my UCA close as possible to the stock length UCA prior to install. After installed the pinion angle came out to -2 to -2.5 degrees (lowered on K-springs).

 

[Rob72]

Do you set the pinion angle in relation to the driveshaft?

 

[cshiznitzj]

I measured the pinion and drive shaft angle relative to ground with two gravity angle finders. I had to remove one side of the exhaust to have a good line of sight to see the angle. Since it was so close to where I wanted it set, i left the length of the UCA alone.

 

[Liftedbronco]

take a look here. great thread on the topic. http://www.s197forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50361&highlight=pinion+angle

 

[tigerhonaker]

This I am interested in.
Thanks Vendors for your Post.

tigerhonaker

 

[Liftedbronco]

according to my link, there is a difference between what is desireable on a 1 piece (non CV) and stock CV driveshaft. At least i think stock is a cv

 

[Rob72]

Why isn't the pinion set in relation to the driveshaft? This would minimize the driveshaft angles at the transmission and at the pinion. That's what trucks with a lift kit do because they have the greatest vertical distance between the trans and the rear.