I know that traction bars minimize wheel hop, but what conditions like tires and street and external conditions will cause wheel hop?

I never had any problems until Friday when I got on it, got wheel hop, and tore up the rear end. Haven't got it apart yet so I don't know if it's the ring and pinion or the Tru Trac. Any opinions/guesses?

 

Worn out shocks, improper tire pressure, improper pinion angle, all contribute to spring-wrap, and spring-wrap is what causes wheel hop. Obviously, wheel hop breaks parts, because of the shock-transfer.

Do you still have the overload leaf on your truck? If you removed it, you'll need a traction bar of some type. If you still have it, but don't really want traction bars, you could clamp the front of the leaf pack to the front of the overload.

 

I do have spring clamps.
I think the shocks are good.
Do I want low tire pressure?
As I read other threads they got me to wondering about the pinion angle. We just put in a 4l80e not too long ago... would that have changed the pinion angle?
I'm worried about ground clearance with traction bars. I think it's kind of close now.
I had just pulled out of a commercial shop. Would oil or moisture or cold tires have contributed to the hop?

I haven't been around here for a few months. What in the world happened to Bud Hayes. He was very helpful to me back about 8 years ago when I first came aboard these truck boards.

 

Corey just posted about how the 4L80E swap screwed up his pinion angle...

 

You lost me... Corey who and posted where?

 

Corey = BlackGMC. He just did a swap to an 80E, and his pinion angle was all screwed up after. Yours is probably off too.

 

His was screwed up before too.

 

I never had wheel hop, before or after the 80E. Air bags FTW. They're useful for hauling a load and keeping the back end solid.

 

JimS, I clicked the link in your sig, and found this pic. http://swardphotos.shutterfly.com/55#55

In this pic, it looks like your pinion is pointed up, higher that the driveshaft. It should be pointed down, between 3-5 degrees, from the driveshaft. What components were used to lower the rear of your truck?

 

Shackles and rear spring hangers. As I remember. I had a mechanic do it for me as I didn't have the place or tools or ability.

When we get it done this week I'll have it looked at. The photos were taken with the 4l60e still in the truck and since then the 4l80e has replaced it. I have CalTracs ordered and will be here Friday so when it's all put back together we can sort that stuff out.

How is the pinion angle changed? I'm willing to learn anything and everything. I'm old and old school but definitely teachable!

I just looked and I see what you mean. Of course it was suspended on jack stands in that photo but still....

Is the angle changed by loosening the spring clamps and turning the whole axle assembly? I've never done anything like that.