Is a shim necessary for installing entire '98 Vmax diff in my '88?

[Beau-Kat]

A while back, I installed an RSV diff in my 1998 VMax to lower my rpms on the highway. Only had to machine the shock boss on that diff and install the VMax shock stud. All still working out good there.

 

Now, for kicks:whistling:, thinking about putting my VMax diff in my 1988 VR. Just wondering if a driveshaft housing-to-diff shim is required for a swap between these two diffs.

 

I read something previously, but didn't know to which years the shim was necessary and why it is necessary.

 

Now I can't find those posts/threads.

 

Thanks for any assistance.

[Peder_y2k]

Not knowing, I hesitate to answer, but I will be following this thread to see if I might do the same. Seems to me, IIRC, the shims were for alignment, not clearance.

-Pete, in Tacoma WA USA

[dingy]

You may or may not need one. Tweety (1st gen) & RSV Hybrid (2nd gen) did not need it to line up (rear axle aligned between left & right swing arm).

 

Gary

[Venturous Randy]

When I put the V-max final drive in my 83, I bolted it onto the swing arm and the axle slid through as easy as with the stock final drive, so I did not need any shims. I have been running it for awhile now and don't appear to have any problems. So, I would say no.

RandyA

[Rosie1965]

Some do, some don't. I had to use two of skydoc's shims on mine.

[Beau-Kat]

Some do, some don't. I had to use two of skydoc's shims on mine.

 

Wondering why the need for two shims.

 

I see you have a '90 VR, so that should be the same equipment as my '88.

 

What year VMax diff did you use? I don't think there are any rear end (housing) differences over the production run for the 1st gen VMax, but not exactly sure.

[VentureYZ]

I had to put .060 shim in my 87. One really needs to follow skydocs procedure for proper alignment. Mike.

[dingy]

Wondering why the need for two shims.

 

I see you have a '90 VR, so that should be the same equipment as my '88.

 

What year VMax diff did you use? I don't think there are any rear end (housing) differences over the production run for the 1st gen VMax, but not exactly sure.

 

There are manufacturing tolerances to take into account on swing arm & final drive machining. Shim requirement probably is on an as needed basis.

 

Gary

[Beau-Kat]

Thanks y'all.

 

I'm going to see what I may or may not need.

Working on the front left caliper tomorrow, so may take a few days to get to the diff.

[Rosie1965]

Wondering why the need for two shims.

 

I see you have a '90 VR, so that should be the same equipment as my '88.

 

What year VMax diff did you use? I don't think there are any rear end (housing) differences over the production run for the 1st gen VMax, but not exactly sure.

 

I don't remember the exact year the Vmax final drive was but I know it was mid 90's. I used skydoc's alignment procedure and all is well. Have put several thousand miles on it.

[jdross440]

I just put a 91 VMAX final drive in my 90 VR Saturday. I left the nuts loose that bolt the drive to the drive shaft housing. When I put the axle in and tightened the nut, there was no gap. I tightened the 4 nuts and took the nut off the axle. The axle pulled out easy and slid back in with 2 fingers. I guess it varies from year to year. I test rode it for about 2 miles on the access road. It seems quieter than the original (I did find the nut broken off the pinion shaft on the VR). Now it's supposed to rain all week so I won't get to ride it.

[Beau-Kat]

I just put a 91 VMAX final drive in my 90 VR Saturday. I left the nuts loose that bolt the drive to the drive shaft housing. When I put the axle in and tightened the nut, there was no gap. I tightened the 4 nuts and took the nut off the axle. The axle pulled out easy and slid back in with 2 fingers. I guess it varies from year to year. I test rode it for about 2 miles on the access road. It seems quieter than the original (I did find the nut broken off the pinion shaft on the VR). Now it's supposed to rain all week so I won't get to ride it.

 

Thanks.

 

I haven't had time to work on my bike's rear yet. Just went through the right front caliper and cleaned up the brake pads and have fork seals in hand to install.

 

Been spending a lot of time building a bed for our new 4 year old son we are adopting in the next couple of months. He will be joining our other 4 year old son we adopted three years ago. Gonna be busy around here soon. Gotta get all of my VR's service needs out of the way and get the two person sidecar hooked up to it too.