Leaf Springs Pinion Angle Explained

This video, Leaf Springs Pinion Angle Explained, covers some common leaf spring pinion angle challenges and how to correct your pinion angle. I discuss pinion angle shims for leaf springs that act as wedges to rotate the pinion either positive or negative. I also cover some key ways to understand how much more pinion angle a leaf spring rear end needs over a traditional 4 link or ladder bar setup with coilovers.

Samson Performance of Sam's Alignment in North Charleston, SC:
Get with us at our shop to let us help you scale your car and do a complete plot of your car as it is today and then we can discuss what changes, if any, we would recommend. We do drag car chassis tuning, chassis setup and ensure the suspension is setup for the best drag racing launches possible! We also offer online remote services from our website here below:

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YouTube Video showing Driveshaft Improper Angles and Wrong Phasing does cost you speed at the ring/pinion, not just vibrations, but it takes away rotational efficiency:

Must have Digital Level and Angle Gauge

Great under the car Video of rear sliders for leaf springs:

MotorTrend Article:

Leaf Spring Pinion Angle Shims:

Leaf Spring videos:

Nitrogen Shock Digital Pressure Gauge:

Finding Center of Gravity Height:

#suspension #dragracing #noprep #streetrace #samsonperformance #kevinwilsonsbc #antisquat #smalltire #bigtires #chassistuning #4link

[rickyfulks]

Appreciate u staying with us leaf spring guys Kevin, love to have coils n 4 l8nk some day

[glennramsey]

I was scrolling and seen this video ..I have a few issues with 2 different trucks I have yet to address .. I have a good idea on what I'm about to do to them .. so I figured I'd stop in watch your video and get a free education. I didn't learn much that I didn't know ..kinda like a refresher course for me .. but at the end where you said you didn't know it all and you just want to help ppl that hit home and I subscribed .. lots of times I'll tell young ppl what I've done and what works for me and my hot rod. I get their wheels turning and stand back and see what they come. Up with and sit back and be completely supportive of their ideas ... So what you said hit home ..thanks for the free education Kevin !!!

[edallen]

I love how you go to so much time to explain what you're teaching and how easy it is to follow you

[stevekioukis]

I've been buildings and setting up chassis since 1978 and I learn something on every one of your vidios or at least learn a new approach. Thank You Kevin.

[WDMtea]

Love leaf springs! Love the old school hot rod look, hands down.

[jmouse]

Kevin, don’t sell yourself short you are a professional and we really appreciate your videos. Keep up the good work.

[MagaRickn]

Good video and good explanation! Wish I had known all this about 50 years ago! ;) At 73, my current build is probably my last build, so I want to do it right! ;)

[sidewayshappy]

Finally seen the best video that I've seen on here Four this problem I have Awesome 2 thumbs up sir

[PaulsProTips]

I've been searching for a discussion on pinion angle and breaking it down WITH the working pinion angle really helped me! Thank you Kevin

[eperformance]

Kevin I like the channel love the information you’re never too old to learn. You’re getting people to talk about their set ups and think about what they can do to improve. Also giving motivation to get out there in the garage!

[YerkitRacingChannel]

First explanation I've seen on working angle. You do such a great job explaining and teaching. Thanks again Kevin!

[MagaRickn]

I'm glad you added the part about getting the weight on the wheels, cause some of us have regular lifts that let the wheels hang. Looks like this is where a 4 post drive on lift would be great!

[kevinmichael]

You got a sub from me. We don't know it all but we keep trying to learn together. People like you inspire me to get out in the garage and make progress. Thank you!

[LawrenceTolman]

Tons of great info on here, thanks for the tech!

[jcasey]

Hey Kevin this vid was great and so informative. I really like the idea of mocking up so that you have a good idea of what you have on the track. I also like the comments and your responses. Thanks appreciate you time.

[approachingtarget.]

I try to stay as close to zero as possible. The angle with the most stress should be as close to center as possible. On independent rear suspensions, its rare to break u joints on the main drive shaft. While the shorter side joints fail considerably more with angle. The longer the drive shaft, the less stress increases with angle. Location of axle on springs also plays a big effect. No matter the situation or vehicle. Zero is always the best angle for the shock of the launch.
Thanks for the videos. Brings more instruction to those who need to know.

[mxguy]

Any time were talking angle, the angle has to be relative to two things. Pinion relative to the driveshaft is a universal joints operating angle not pinion angle (working angle is ok to use also I guess). Pinion angle is relative to the TRANSMISSION! This is an important distinction because its a measure how the two universal joints are working together. I don't really car what you call it, but the whole reason for checking the pinion relative to the trans is that driveshaft vibration occurs when the front and rear universal joints operating angles are not nearly equal/opposite. Individual operating angles are a separate deal that should also be individually checked but only to keep within the manufacturers recommendation. Operating angles are more of an issue on lifted trucks or sometimes with very short driveshafts. Thanks for the great channel!

[NilesJStJohn]

Really informative and well said vid n helps me with my Dart . Gonna watch all your leaf spring car vids now .

[hankclingingsmith]

ALSO LIKE YOU SAID SO MANY PEOPLE DONT UNDERSTAND TOTAL WORKING ANGLE, THEY ONLY THINK ABOUT PINION ANGLE SET UP.

[ChevyMustang]

Thank you do much fir these leaf spring videos like sell your videos they are very well done I feel even someone that had never worked on s chassis understands very well done. I feel I have a decent handle on my low 11 second 68 camaro street car but I'm learning how to improve with simple suspension tuning thanks