Tailshaft Spacers

Nolathane tailshaft spacers and centre bearing alignment kits correct the driveline geometry of lifted 4WDs and utes. When a vehicle is raised, driveline vibration is a common side effect. These kits restore the tailshaft?s operating angles, so power is delivered smoothly, vibration is reduced, and universal joints and centre bearings are protected from premature wear.

Simple to fit and designed for specific vehicles, tailshaft spacers are an essential part of a well-finished suspension lift.

How a Tailshaft Works

The tailshaft, also called a driveshaft or propshaft, carries drive from the gearbox or transfer case to the differential. Because the axle moves up and down with the suspension, the tailshaft uses universal joints (uni joints) at each end to transmit drive through changing angles. A sliding section allows the length to change as the suspension moves.

Many utes and longer-wheelbase 4WDs use a two-piece tailshaft, supported in the middle by a centre bearing mounted to the chassis. For smooth operation, the angles at each uni joint must stay within their design range and remain balanced with each other.

Why Lifting Causes Driveline Vibration

Raising a vehicle increases the distance between the chassis and the axle. That changes the angle the tailshaft runs at, and on two-piece shafts it changes the angle between the front and rear sections at the centre bearing.

When uni joints run at steeper or uneven angles, they don?t turn at a perfectly constant speed, and this creates vibration. A centre bearing that?s out of line with the shaft carries extra load. The result is vibration, noise and accelerated wear on uni joints, centre bearings and the components around them.

Signs Your Tailshaft Angles Need Correcting

• Vibration felt through the floor or seats, often at particular road speeds
• A shudder or vibration when taking off from a stop, especially when loaded or towing
• Clunks or noise from under the vehicle when changing between drive and overrun
• Premature wear or failure of uni joints or the centre bearing
• Any of these symptoms appearing after a suspension lift

Tailshaft Spacer Kits

Tailshaft spacer kits are designed for specific lifted vehicles. They correct the tailshaft?s position to suit the increased ride height, bringing the driveline back towards its designed geometry to reduce vibration and keep power delivery smooth. Kits include the spacer and all the hardware needed for installation.

Centre Bearing Alignment Kits

On vehicles with a two-piece tailshaft, centre bearing alignment kits reposition the centre bearing to suit the lifted ride height. Correcting the centre bearing alignment balances the angles between the front and rear sections of the shaft. This reduces vibration and helps prolong the life of the centre bearing. Depending on the vehicle, kits use plates or brackets that allow the alignment to be set according to how much the vehicle has been raised.

Each listing shows the vehicle, transmission type where relevant, and kit contents.

Protecting Universal Joints and Centre Bearings

Uni joints and centre bearings are designed to work within specific angle limits. When they?re pushed beyond those limits after a lift, wear accelerates, and failure can lead to costly repairs, or to the vehicle being stranded far from help.

Correcting driveline geometry with a tailshaft spacer or centre bearing alignment kit is a straightforward, cost-effective way to protect these components and keep a lifted vehicle reliable on long trips and in demanding conditions.

Fitting Tailshaft Spacers

Tailshaft spacers and centre bearing alignment kits are suited to professional workshops and experienced home mechanics. As a general guide:

• Support the vehicle safely at its lifted ride height, with the wheels chocked and the transmission secured.
• Mark the tailshaft flanges and joints before removal, so the shaft can be reinstalled in the same phase and balance position.
• Fit the spacer or alignment plates as described in the kit instructions, using the hardware supplied.
• Tighten all fasteners to the vehicle manufacturer?s specification.
• Road test the vehicle and check for any remaining vibration.

If vibration persists, have the driveline angles measured. Very large lifts may need further correction.

Part of a Complete Lift

A suspension lift affects several systems. Alongside driveline correction, check wheel alignment, brake line and ABS lead slack at full droop, headlight levelling sensors, and shock absorber travel. Addressing them together means your lifted vehicle drives as smoothly and safely as it did at standard height.

Who Tailshaft Spacers Suit

Tailshaft spacers suit owners of lifted 4WDs and dual cab utes experiencing driveline vibration, and drivers who tow or carry heavy loads and notice take-off shudder after a lift. They?re also used by anyone fitting a lift kit who wants to protect uni joints and centre bearings, and by workshops completing suspension lift installations.

Shop Tailshaft Spacers

Driveline vibration after a lift is a common repair job, and tailshaft spacers for it are found in Nolathane's chassis parts range.

Find the tailshaft spacer or centre bearing alignment kit for your vehicle, then order online with fast shipping or have it fitted by a Nolathane reseller. Every kit is backed by Nolathane?s lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, for the original vehicle it?s fitted to. Our fitment guarantee means you get the right kit first time, and our local support team can help you match the right solution to your lift.