Tailshaft Spacers with Fitting Position Rear Axle

Reduce lift-related driveline vibration with Whiteline tailshaft spacers. Designed for selected lifted 4WDs, these spacer kits correct the tailshaft position at its mounting point to account for changes introduced by increased suspension height.

Lifting a 4WD can change driveline geometry and the operating relationship between the tailshaft and surrounding driveline components. Whiteline identifies driveline vibration as a common problem following a lift and uses application-specific tailshaft spacers to help correct the setup and restore smoother driveline operation.

What Does a Tailshaft Spacer Do?

A tailshaft spacer fits at the tailshaft flange connection, repositioning the tailshaft by the thickness of the spacer.

Whiteline's spacer kits allow the tailshaft to be corrected after a suspension lift to help reduce driveline vibration and maintain smooth driveline operation.

The spacer is therefore a lift-correction component rather than a general tailshaft repair part. It doesn't replace worn universal joints, repair a damaged tailshaft or correct every possible source of driveline vibration.

It also shouldn't be confused with a wheel spacer. Although both products use the word "spacer", a tailshaft spacer is installed within the driveline rather than between the wheel and hub.

Why Can a Lift Cause Tailshaft Vibration?

Increasing suspension height changes the relationship between the vehicle's driveline components.

The effect depends on the vehicle's driveline design, which axle is being considered, the amount and type of lift and the original tailshaft arrangement. This is why the required correction can vary significantly between different 4WDs.

Whiteline identifies driveline vibration after lifting as the problem addressed by its tailshaft spacer kits. By repositioning the tailshaft connection on compatible applications, the spacer provides the correction specified for that lifted setup.

Vibration after a suspension lift shouldn't automatically be diagnosed as a tailshaft spacer issue, however. Tailshaft balance, worn universal joints, bearings, mounting components and other driveline geometry problems can also contribute to vibration.

If a new vibration appears after a lift, the complete driveline should be considered before assuming that a spacer alone will resolve it.

Front or Rear Tailshaft Spacer: Which Do You Need?

Whiteline uses both front tailshaft spacers and rear tailshaft spacers, depending on the vehicle and driveline configuration.

Front Tailshaft Spacers

A front tailshaft spacer is fitted to the front driveline where specified for the compatible lifted application.

Whiteline's front configuration uses a spacer together with four bolts, washers and nuts. Fitment is application-specific, including differences between particular engine and driveline configurations.

Rear Tailshaft Spacers

A rear tailshaft spacer performs the same broad lift-correction role at the rear driveline.

Whiteline's rear configuration also uses a spacer with four bolts, washers and nuts. Some applications have additional drivetrain restrictions, including transmission-specific fitment.

Front and rear spacers aren't interchangeable simply because their purpose is similar. Use Whiteline's vehicle search to confirm the correct spacer and any applicable engine or transmission requirements before ordering.

Tailshaft Spacer, Centre Bearing Spacer or Diff Drop Kit?

Several different components can be used to address driveline geometry after a 4WD has been lifted, but they don't perform the same job.

Tailshaft Spacers

A tailshaft spacer kit works at the tailshaft flange connection. This page is the appropriate destination for tailshaft spacer, front tailshaft spacer and rear tailshaft spacer searches.

Centre Bearing Alignment

On vehicles with a multi-piece tailshaft, a centre bearing supports the driveline between tailshaft sections. A lift can create a different alignment issue around this bearing.

Centre Bearing Alignment components reposition the centre bearing where required for a compatible lifted setup.

Diff Drop Kits

A Diff Drop Kit addresses a different area again. These components reposition the front differential on compatible independent front suspension 4WDs to address driveline geometry associated with the lifted suspension setup.

A diff drop shouldn't be treated as an alternative name for a tailshaft spacer or centre bearing spacer. Which correction is required depends on the vehicle's suspension and driveline design.

Some lifted vehicles may require more than one type of correction, while others may require none of them. Fitment should be determined from the specific vehicle and suspension configuration.

When Should a Driveline Specialist Check Your Tailshaft?

A tailshaft spacer can address the lift-related issue it was designed to correct, but it shouldn't be used to mask an unexplained driveline vibration.

If vibration remains after the correct spacer has been fitted, or if the vibration is severe, changes with road speed or appeared independently of the suspension lift, further inspection is appropriate.

Possible causes can include worn universal joints, tailshaft balance issues, bearing wear, mounting problems or driveline geometry that requires a different correction. These are examples rather than a diagnosis, as similar vibration symptoms can have multiple causes.

Larger or more complex suspension modifications can also require additional driveline considerations beyond a bolt-on spacer.

Have persistent vibration assessed by a qualified technician or driveline specialist. The complete suspension and driveline configuration can then be inspected rather than repeatedly changing individual components in an attempt to eliminate the symptom.

Other Components to Check After Lifting a 4WD

Driveline geometry is only one part of a complete suspension lift.

Depending on the application, a lifted 4WD may also require changes around brake hose mounting, ABS wiring, handbrake cables, brake proportioning linkage or self-levelling headlight sensors.

Whiteline's Brake Line Kits, ABS Components, Handbrake Parts, Brake Valve Linkage and Headlight Sensor Brackets address these separate areas where specified for a compatible lifted setup.

Shop Tailshaft Spacers with Whiteline

Reduce lift-related driveline vibration with a Whiteline tailshaft spacer designed for your 4WD.

Use Whiteline's vehicle search to confirm whether your setup requires a front or rear spacer and check any engine or transmission-specific fitment requirements before ordering.

Tailshaft spacers are listed in our chassis parts range.

If you're experiencing driveline vibration and aren't sure whether a tailshaft spacer is the correct solution, contact the Whiteline team for fitment and technical assistance. Persistent vibration should be inspected by a qualified technician or driveline specialist to identify the underlying cause.