Any reason NOT to do the diff drop?

[UFG8R Runner]

It seems like some other forums have debates about whether doing a diff drop is a good idea from a geometry / lubrication prospective for the differential.

Some feel that although it may help the CV angles, a diff drop puts more stress on the differential and other drive line components.

I freely admit that I have little mechanical knowledge or understanding...it's not what I excel in, so I leave it to the experts.

Would some our valued gear heads mind weighing in with your thoughts for diff drops on our 5th gens?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Ducmonsta]

If your CV angles are ok without the drop, don't use it. If your CV boots are contacting each other (through the folds) use it.

If you're planning on installing skid plates, it will not allow the skids to line up.

 

[MT4X4]

It seems like some other forums have debates about whether doing a diff drop is a good idea from a geometry / lubrication prospective for the differential.

Some feel that although it may help the CV angles, a diff drop puts more stress on the differential and other drive line components.

I freely admit that I have little mechanical knowledge or understanding...it's not what I excel in, so I leave it to the experts.

Would some our valued gear heads mind weighing in with your thoughts for diff drops on our 5th gens?

Thanks in advance.

Having installed hundreds of lift kits on late model Toyota's the diff drop is not necessary for a standard 2 - 3" lift. Unless you are in the 3.5" lift range then your cv shafts will just fine at their current angles.

 

[GrantK]

If your CV angles are ok without the drop, don't use it. If your CV boots are contacting each other (through the folds) use it.

If you're planning on installing skid plates, it will not allow the skids to line up.

The ToyTec drop includes spacers for the skid plates.

 

[NorthWest 4R]

A diff drop is not "needed" for a standard 2 - 3" lift, but I still like to install them.

The spacer will not actually lower the diff 1" like the space leads you to believe FYI, more like 1/4". I like to install it even though the boot fins are not touching at ride height, because when at full droop the angles are pretty / in their and just causes them to not be subjected to as harsh of angles than without, thus maybe making them last longer and less likely to snap one at extreme angles. I like to think so anyway....

 

[Ducmonsta]

The ToyTec drop includes spacers for the skid plates.

I know, but the skids will not be "flush" with each other as the engine skid is now 1/4" or so lower than the trans/crossmember skid.

 

[GrantK]

I know, but the skids will not be "flush" with each other as the engine skid is now 1/4" or so lower than the trans/crossmember skid.

Maybe with after market skid but with factory, they line up. They include 4 spacers, 2 for the back of the front skid and two for the front of the 2nd skid (so they line up). After that your back to normal mounting. At least that's how it worked out for me.

 

[Ducmonsta]

Yes, aftermarket. The ones that continue the engine skid plate all the way back.

 

[DannyLlama]

Does anyone have a before and after diff drop photo of the axel at full droop?

 

[a t l a s]

I have the ToyTec diff drop installed on my truck. While it did come with skid plate spacers, I did not need them to fit my RCI skid, so I didn't lose any ground clearance at all by installing the kit and there would be no gap if I were to install the rest of the belly skids.

And as mentioned above, the kit doesn't drop the diff 1", but only 1/4" or so.

 

[Dillusion]

I say it don't hurt so why not.

 

[Whippersnapper02]

It rotates the diff a bit which can pull lube away from the carrier bearing. Some have used it and gained vibration. Personally, I'd chuck it if it came with a suspension kit.