ASK THE EXPERT – WHAT’S A DIFF DROP?

Hi Adam,

I see a lot of suspension fitments on social media with recommendations to fit a differential drop.

Why is that? What is a diff drop?

Thank you

Declan, WA

Hi Declan,

With suspension lifts on vehicles with independent front suspension (IFS), as you lift the vehicle the centre line of the wheels stays the same, but the driveline height of the vehicle increases.

The down side of this is that the front driveshaft or CV joint angles change and become sharper. The CV joint will then work to transfer drive to the wheel closer to the extremities of the CV joint, which will, by design, make the joint weaker.

The fitment of a differential drop is basically a set of spacers designed to lower the front differential, which will then bring the driveshaft or CV angles back closer to a standard position. This helps to flatten the angles, bringing the CV joint back closer to a straight position.

The inner driveshaft joint in a higher position is also pulled out a little further, so by fitting a diff drop it will also help to bring the inner joint back to more of a factory position as well.

Yes, it does mean the front differential is lower to the ground and you lose a little bit of clearance… but that’s much better than risking breaking a CV joint out on a trip.

Hope that helps

GO NUTS!

Adam