Moving the rear axle

[Mike G.]

My 74 Fj40 body is mounted on a '78 frame. I have always had a problem with the rear wheels not being centered in the wheel wells. They are too far forward by about 1 or 2 inches. It looks real weird.........
I was wondering if I could correct the problem by drillilng a new centering hole in the axle spring perch - 1 inch forward of the other hole. Will this cause me a bunch of other problems further down the road?? - moving the axle back on the spring 1".
If this is a lousey idea, are there any other ways to correct my problem?
Looking forward to your replies............

 

[Mark W]

Commonly done. There's other ways to shift the axle, but if you just want an inch, this is the easiest way. I've done it recently on several rigs, including a Tacoma today which I put half ton Chevy springs under.


Mark...

 

[Vitesse_6]

Hi Mike.
I dont think its much of an issue to redrill the pin, But you should take into account that the axle will move to the rear a bit when it is compressed. One inch shouldnt be that much but if you are 2" off there might be some other issue, Im not sure if there is a difference in the new ond older frames.
If you do a search for rear spring swap, You will find all sorts of pro/con's about the springs
Good luck

 

[shelfboy1]

i dont know whats right or wrong but ive made new holes in the spring perch and moved the axle forward or backward its easier than drilling the springs.after 20 years truck is still being driven good luck on either way you go

 

[pbgbottle]

did this also have had no issues for years , one thing tho was that my drive shaft
came up a bit short .

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

Hi All:

Mark, I have been considering the same thing - moving the rear axle back one inch. Will the stock length rear drive shaft work O.K. on a 'wheeling rig if I do this?

Thanks much!

Alan


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Commonly done. There's other ways to shift the axle, but if you just want an inch, this is the easiest way. I've done it recently on several rigs, including a Tacoma today which I put half ton Chevy springs under.


Mark...

 

[Mark W]

Definitely maybe.

If you are sitting at stock height, then probably. If you have much lift at all, then it may be marginal. I'd have to actually see/lay hands on the setup to have a solid opinion.


Mark...

 

[Mike G.]

I have approximately 4" lift on the rear (OME springs with extended shakles). I have disconnected the rear axle from the springs - moving the axle back and forth keeping an eye on the drive shaft and making sure it doesn't get over extended. At 1 inch back on the springs, the drive shaft is looking better than prior to the move(spline length extended only about 1/4"). The driveshaft spline was almost fully compressed prior to the move.
Thanks to all for the replies. I am going to drill new holes today and see how it works out.