Lifted VS Lowered CV Angle Discussion

DeanH1290

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Jan 20, 2014
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I want to start this of by saying this is strictly for discussion of the below topics. In no way am I trying to challenge what we, as a community already know about these "stretched levels" that are on the market. I simply want to discuss one component in general - CV Axles.

When people install one of these kits on their truck, they always get blasted with "Those angles are aweful!" We all know that statement applies to everything on the front. We know ball joints and tie rods wear out at an accelerated rate when a truck is lifted that high, But why do we automatically throw the CV's in with that?This question popped into my head when I was thinking about the previous setups I've had on my truck - mainly when it was at about 5" drop up front. When my truck was at that height, I had absolutely no issues with my CV's. With that said - why don't we throw such a fit at the lowered 4x4's as we do with the lifted 4x4's. Is there really any difference between the two when it comes to the CV's?
 

dszx13

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May 28, 2014
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I catch shit from lowering a 4wd in general. The idea of that trumps the cv issue I think because most would assume they aren't in anymore


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yates

Stock turd
Feb 8, 2012
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I am interested in the angles on lowered as I keep getting the idea to lower my truck. I want to go 3/5 which I think would be fine with spindles but honestly have no idea. I still want/need 4wd as this is my daily and I live in IA.
 

dszx13

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May 28, 2014
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I'm about 6" up front. This is my passenger side. Yes I know the boots torn. Been like that for 2.5 years. Lol.
e33f8a06af416fff8866642a050859fe.jpg



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dszx13

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May 28, 2014
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I have drop struts, drop spindles, and cut coils up front. It's too low lol. But I like it


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14 Silvy

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Dec 7, 2015
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396d80d5849462bdd206a6a26074f9e0.jpg
this is my cv angle on my 14 with DJM 4" drop control arms.

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14 Silvy

Active Member
Dec 7, 2015
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Didn't know this truck was 4wd


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Yep sure is. DJM said the 4" arms wouldn't work on a 4x4 guess I proved them wrong lol. I haven't had any issues with them or the 4x4. Thought about leveling on 33s but love it low.
bb5452847bf3d6d9f4fd42f170c0a6d4.jpg


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dszx13

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May 28, 2014
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Yep sure is. DJM said the 4" arms wouldn't work on a 4x4 guess I proved them wrong lol. I haven't had any issues with them or the 4x4. Thought about leveling on 33s but love it low.
bb5452847bf3d6d9f4fd42f170c0a6d4.jpg


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I read the same on nnbs also for control arms. Didn't you have some oe chrome 22s before?


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14 Silvy

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Dec 7, 2015
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I did they were starting to flake and a buddy of mine had the factory 20's so I traded him my 18's for them and sold the 22's and bought my Katzkin and heaters. Here's pics of 18's and 22's.
1542d84e39046e200edfe6d79eb85d27.jpg
cca02e7b00196e017374a2d0ca812de5.jpg


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yates

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Feb 8, 2012
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14 Silvy, you did CAs vs a drop spindle? Can you tell me why? Just trying to figure out the route to go if I do.
 

14 Silvy

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Dec 7, 2015
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The reason I went with control arms is because no one made a drop spindle for the aluminum front suspension. I don't know if they do now or not. If you have the aluminum spindles and control arms you could buy cast steel upper and lower arms then run a drop spindle but that's a lot involved.

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Dave

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Aug 13, 2019
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Hello I have a 15 Silverado 4x4 and have djm 3in control arms installed having an issue with a rattle noise coming from the front when going over certain cracks in the road recently took it so get looked at the shop said they couldn’t do anything for me because my axel angle was was not straight and my control arms rubbing looking for any suggestions as how to fix this issue please and thank you.
 
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Tiki

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Jan 23, 2011
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Any type of CV/U Joint has extra force put on it when it's ran at an angle. If you pick one up and rotate it flat and then rotate it when it's full angled you can feel the difference. I'm sure a ME could provide some more specific information on degree vs force, but I'd venture to guess that there is an exponential amount of force/friction where there is a large degree of angle where there isn't much difference force, but then at some point every additional angle is way worse. What is also interesting is that some type of joints (u-joints) require a small degree in order to avoid burnout; I've seen this happen running tractor PTO shafts completely flat.

I always try to run the "top" of the "bottom" cv joint no lower than the "bottom" of the "top" cv joint and preferably a lot closer. This is one of the reasons I still prefer full drop suspension options instead of knuckle lift systems.
 

Tylers88

3 GM's and a Jeep
Apr 16, 2012
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Hello I have a 15 Silverado 4x4 and have djm 3in control arms installed having an issue with a rattle noise coming from the front when going over certain cracks in the road recently took it so get looked at the shop said they couldn’t do anything for me because my axel angle was was not straight and my control arms rubbing looking for any suggestions as how to fix this issue please and thank you.
Rattle sounds like possibly a bad strut or a lose component. Where do your control arms rub? Some shops are very strict on modified vehicles, especially if it’s a chain, mom and pop places tend to be better about it.
 
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