brackets for front diff?

THIS FORUM IS FOR ANY QUESTIONS ON THE 7.25" IFS FRONT DIFF, CV HALF SHAFTS AND FRONT DRIVE SHAFT.
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Topic author
gabequest
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brackets for front diff?

Post by gabequest »

Has anyone dropped the front diff 3/4in or so?
My 7qrt oil pan basically sits on the diff. I changed the motor mounts but it sagged within a week or so. I realized dropping the diff means I'll have to notch the crossmember. Anything else I should consider? I feel this mod will also help with the CV angles.
2004 Astro AWD
4inch Overland lift, 265/70/16, Poptop Colorado CamperVan, 11inch Roof Fan, Custom Bumper...more to come on the interior

LiftedAWDAstro
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Nobody has done it yet that I am aware of. Why not just use a stock oil pan on your 350?
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
gabequest
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Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:44 pm
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by gabequest »

I guess I'm a bit confused...wasn't there issue with the stock pan and AWD? When researching and sourcing parts, this is why I went with the aftermarket pan in the first place. I have the 7 qrt pan from JEGS, which was mega bucks, so I figured I'd just leave it and enjoy the extra capacity. After the install, the mechanic wondered why we didn't just stick with the original pan as well. Can I run this with no oil cooler?

Also, dropping the diff would decrease angles, which could kill both birds. Do you think the drop is a bad idea? I'm looking for easiest and cheapest fix, so not attached to the drop.
2004 Astro AWD
4inch Overland lift, 265/70/16, Poptop Colorado CamperVan, 11inch Roof Fan, Custom Bumper...more to come on the interior

LiftedAWDAstro
I have my van tatooed on my cheeks
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Joined: Sat Sep 09, 2006 3:35 pm
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by LiftedAWDAstro »

Dropping the diff is definitely a good idea. Lessening the CV shaft angles wouldn't hurt. The problem is that you will lose ground clearance and you must use a skid plate to protect the soft aluminum diff housing. Personally, I would throw the stock oil pan back on and sell the 7 quart one. No need for the oil cooler as long as the coolant system is up to snuff. Since you are already cooling a 350, you will be good to go.
Current rides:
2013 Toyota Tundra DC 4x4
2008 Dodge Nitro 4x4
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S Special Edition

Mileage spreadsheet

Vans owned:
1986 Safari 2.5L 4 speed manual - scrapped
1995 Astro 2WD conversion 4.11 posi, shift kit, DHC rock rails - sold to Skippy
1998 Astro 4x4 D44, D60, NP231, full hydraulic system with 9k# Milemarker winch and snow plow - sold to Lockdoc
2003 Astro AWD all stock - traded for a 3/4 ton truck
2005 AWD, 4.10's - sold to skippy

Topic author
gabequest
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 208
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:44 pm
Location: Truckee, CA
Contact:

Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by gabequest »

Unfortunately that oil pan was crushed when the motor was delivered..which I didn't care about at that point...but now I guess I do!
2004 Astro AWD
4inch Overland lift, 265/70/16, Poptop Colorado CamperVan, 11inch Roof Fan, Custom Bumper...more to come on the interior
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sandfly
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by sandfly »

I have thought about it too. can you cut and weld a notch in the pan to clear the diff. I would like to drop my diff for a better angle also..
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Topic author
gabequest
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by gabequest »

I can't weld. But at that point brackets seem easier.
2004 Astro AWD
4inch Overland lift, 265/70/16, Poptop Colorado CamperVan, 11inch Roof Fan, Custom Bumper...more to come on the interior

lockdoc
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by lockdoc »

A stock pan does not work. The common way is to take the V6 pan and weld an extension in the center. Dropping the diff would be nice. I'd like to see a how to myself.
Current:
01 AWD - Stock
98 AWD - Stock
Past:
93 4WD - 305 V8 - 5" lift - 31" tires
98 4WD DHC - 10" lift - 33" tires - Onboard air and Hydraulics - Snowplow
92 RWD - 350 V8 - lowered - 97 front clip
92 RWD - 350 V8 - converted to AWD - V6
91 AWD - 350 V8 - conversion van
94 RWD - 350 V8 - sons van
92 RWD - stock - sons van
93 RWD Shorty - project
89 RWD Shorty - parts van

Topic author
gabequest
I finally get the smurf thing
Posts: 208
Joined: Sun Jun 01, 2008 7:44 pm
Location: Truckee, CA
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Re: brackets for front diff?

Post by gabequest »

I have to have a shop do it, but I'll get picks if it materializes.
2004 Astro AWD
4inch Overland lift, 265/70/16, Poptop Colorado CamperVan, 11inch Roof Fan, Custom Bumper...more to come on the interior
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