Slee Diff Drop with AHC for Skid Plate install?

[Fuge]

I am currently half way through installing full belly skid plates from Slee on my 99 LX. However I cannot get the intermediate plate and the front plate to line up on the diff cross member. After further review of the instructions it says the skid system is designed to be installed with the diff drop. I have a Slee diff drop because I was planning on switching out the AHC for an OME 1.5" lift but changed my mind and am going to keep the AHC.

My question is can I install the diff drop with the stock AHC?

I don't plan doing any lifting tricks with the AHC. My concern is opposite of what the diff drop is for. Instead of making the angles too high, will I be making the length of the axle too short and damage the plunge joint on the differential side of the half shaft. I feel this is stupid question for experienced guys but it has been a long time since I took apart a CV joint and can't remember if this will cause a problem. Thanks for the help.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Yes

 

[Fuge]

Ok thanks. Great avatar by the way. If I didn't want to install the diff drop can I just bolt the two plates together and let the rest of the mounts support the weight of the plates?

 

[Fuge]

I would just use a longer bolt and some washers as spacers to the stock diff support but the holes in the plates and the holes in the support don't line up. I tried to shift the plates to line up but they miss it by about 2mm left and 2mm long.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Without the diff drop you will end up with more clearance.

 

[Fuge]

Thanks. For now they are bolted together and I will figure out something to put between the brace and the plates so they don't bend if they get hit there.