Another noise from under my TJ

I've struggled to find the right way to measure angles on my Ford 8.8 rear end, but I think I may have it this time. Let me know if there's a better flat surface to measure from.

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I think I need to shorten my upper control arms a bit. Does that sound right to you guys?. What would a good starting point be - maybe 1/2 inch shorter on the uppers?

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In looking at the photos again, I need to shorten the lowers a bit. not the uppers. I was trying to make the problem worse...
 

My thoughts.
When pulling out or accelerating the pumpkin wants yo rotate along the yellow path. It shouldn’t unless control arm bushings are shot.
Red box is point to place angle measure because it looks like it is inline with the pinion.


You could both lengthen upper and shorten lower… whatever keeps the wheels centered in the wheel well. And from rubbing if flexed..?

Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 

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You tired of me pointing things out yet???


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
Man, I appreciate you pointing this stuff out!

This video did a good job of explaining things. He said that you'll want the pinion to be 2, maybe 3 degrees under the shaft, like you said, so that the axle can rotate a tiny bit.



Assuming I'm measuring the angles correctly, I think I'm good to go.





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I think I figured out the best way to measure the angle. Right off of the face of the flange.

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The 2 deg is for axel wrap that happens with leaf springs. You dont have leafs and dont need 2 deg. However the 2 deg will keep the bearings moving and keep from wearing funny.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
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I took a drive to the grocery store (does that make it a grocery getter?), and everything sounded great. I think I'm good to go.
 

Did you drive over a parking block?? Or drive by the entrance really slow.


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
I was going to ask about the wires in the wheel well. But i didn’t think…


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
So is the melted area on the heat shield above the muffler from a hole in the top of your muffler? Or something else did that?


Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up - Jesse Jackson
 
I'll have to look at that. I installed a belly up skid system and used the factory transmission mount (with exhaust hanger). This caused the exhaust to be an inch or two too high. I ran like that for a couple of years before cutting and re-welding the exhaust hanger. I bet the muffler was slammed up against that heat shield.

On the other hand it is the factory muffler, so it very well could have a hole in it.
 
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