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RealDealBJJ;
I might as well bring up the issue of driveline vibration when lifting XJ's. I'm at 2+" and will be installing a sye kit with a cv driveshaft. I'm not going to get in to a discussion of why some XJ's with as much as 6" of lift have none because I don't know why. Suffice it to say you may or may not have them. I do.
Thanks very red xj & jbudz for the feedback. I think you guys just convinced me to go 2” lift instead.
do you think I still need most of the items on the list& just make sure I get the appropriate size for the 2” lift instead? Or would some of the things not be needed for just 2”
also,would the 31” tires still be doable Or would I get some rubbing?
sorry for the newb questions
No newb questions, that's what we're here for lol. This forum has pretty much got me through every single thing I've done on the Heep!
I would say the only thing you wouldn't "need" is the shackle relocation kit and the lift shackles, just make sure you get a full leaf pack with the lift, not an add a leaf, if you leafs are stock then the shackle kit will accelerate wear and you'll be having a bad time lol. If you go with the OME kit it should be fairly level, if you do what I did then you may need a spacer upfront to balance out rear. in terms of tires I am ok with my 30in Grabber AT/X (true 30in per their site) and haven't had any issues with rubbing while the front is connected. I don't have issues with flexing the rear, maybe at extreme flex but that's also because I'm missing bump stops in the back...lol. the front while disconnected will rub but that is really due to my backspacing. if you stick with the method rims than you could be ok. As far as brake lines in all my research I decided not to go with extended ones, but that could be risky haha so don't take my word on it. you would need an adjustable trackbar as well, forums suggested the Moog problem solver track bar would actually help center for smaller lifts, I didn't take measurements but it didn't center it. Maybe it's a little better but it's deff not centered, so adjustable is the way to go. As far as driveline vibes go I have almost none with this set up. Every once in a while I get something when I left off the gas at highway speeds but they are minor and as soon as i get back on the petal they are gone, so it's a very specific scenario.
As far as tires go I'd throw my vote in for the generals. i had the AT2's before I did the lift and got the AT/X's. I love em. The AT2s were great, didn't see too much mud or anything just snow but they got me thrugh roughly 2 ft of snow no issue. The AT/Xs have been through beaches, mud, and snow again I love them. They seem to be wearing better than the AT2s so far. Just my .02
Vibrations in your drive line after you lift your jeep?
In the event you have vibrations in your drive line after you lift your jeep, the Old Man Emu lift kit for an XJ comes with 6 spacers to lower your transfer case. If you use another lift kit for a 2" or 3" lift, several other manufactures make spacers that accomplishes the same thing. They space the cross member that spans below the case to the frame-rails down about one inch. This often changes the angle of your drive shaft enough to eliminate the vibrations. This solution avoids ordering a custom fabricated SYE driveshaft - saving both time and money. Note: the Slip Yoke Eliminator does NOT eliminate the slip yoke - it merely relocates it in a new drive shaft. However, changing out the case extension to a shorter one moves the front joint forward which, in turn, moderates the angle of the drive shaft. Though a new drive shaft is a good solution, and often required on higher lifts. There are many possible combinations, but these BFG HO2 examples illustrate the relative increase in tire weight with lift height: a 29" nominal tire (no lift), 235/75/r15 = 36.4lb's; a 31" nominal tire (3" lift) , 245/17/r16 = 48.9lbs; a 33" nominal tire, ( 4-1/2" lift), 265/75/r16 = 58.7lbs; a 35"nominal tire ( 6"+ lift ), 315/70/r17 = 65.2lbs. The greater the weight of the wheels, the greater the rotational inertia that is carried back through the drive train every time the jeep changes speed. Thuss, the need to strengthen the "week point" in the stock driveshaft with a stronger one on large lift. Fortunately, Chrysler's "week point" doesn't care about my relatively light 31 tires, soI chose not to spend that additional $$$$ with 3 lift, and I've been wheeling with a dropped transfer case for years with no ill effect. The modest drop may effect my break-over angles slightly, but on trails suitable for my XJ, this is insignificant. This is a good installation video:
RealDealBJJ;
I might as well bring up the issue of driveline vibration when lifting XJ's. I'm at 2+" and will be installing a sye kit with a cv driveshaft. I'm not going to get in to a discussion of why some XJ's with as much as 6" of lift have none because I don't know why. Suffice it to say you may or may not have them. I do.
Beeping Jeep did a fine video on the installation, you may be using a different SYE, but the installations the same :
I'm betting I've watched nearly every video out there on the subject. Both with the t/c in and out of the vehicle. I'm going with it in the vehicle. Might be the simplest t/c made.
I'm betting I've watched nearly every video out there on the subject. Both with the t/c in and out of the vehicle. I'm going with it in the vehicle. Might be the simplest t/c made.
Beeping Jeep had to buy a new drive shaft for his 4" lift and I'm glad you've researched the complexities of the installation of the shorter transfer flange. Well, bring your XJ with that fancy drive shaft with its relocated slip yoke and revised transfer case flange to CA. If you can follow me, I'll buy you dinner !
Last edited by Very Red XJ; 08-23-2021 at 04:09 PM.
"Well, bring your XJ with that fancy drive shaft with its relocated slip yoke and revised transfer case flange to CA. If you can follow me, I'll buy you dinner "!
It's not so much the fancy driveshaft or the t/c mod as it is the power of the T-shirt! Seriously though it would be nice to come out but the best of my long distance traveling days are behind me. Still trying to figure out which is going to be the lesser of three evils in getting to Texas to see my son and daughter-in-law at some point. Flying,me driving,or my wife driving(!?!?).
Uh oh! Your pics FINALLY downloaded. You've got THE hat. That takes the STEAKS to a new level.
Actually the sye install isn't all that complex. I've always have had the knack of being able to take things apart and put them back together. Even after long periods of time. I'm out of commission for a little bit so it's on hold. Cooler weather would be nice also.
"Well, bring your XJ with that fancy drive shaft with its relocated slip yoke and revised transfer case flange to CA. If you can follow me, I'll buy you dinner "!
It's not so much the fancy driveshaft or the t/c mod as it is the power of the T-shirt! Seriously though it would be nice to come out but the best of my long distance traveling days are behind me. Still trying to figure out which is going to be the lesser of three evils in getting to Texas to see my son and daughter-in-law at some point. Flying,me driving,or my wife driving(!?!?).
Uh oh! Your pics FINALLY downloaded. You've got THE hat. That takes the STEAKS to a new level.
Actually the sye install isn't all that complex. I've always have had the knack of being able to take things apart and put them back together. Even after long periods of time. I'm out of commission for a little bit so it's on hold. Cooler weather would be nice also.
STEAKS to a new level? I said I'd bet you dinner, so I guess steak is appropriate. That image is of my tc drop - It's been on the jeep for 3 years of wheeling and it does work long term - the week spot on Chrysler's assembly doesn't bother with my light 31's, but Beeping Jeep's 33's required a new shaft and a shorter tc flange for his XJ. OME is a great lift - I also have it on the little truck that use to pull a tear drop trailer across country to see my daughter in Kentucky. Glad you're mechanically inclined. Though with owning a 20+ year old jeep, that's almost a requirement. Get well so you can get grease under your fingernails again
Hi .. I just picked up this nice 98 cherokee and I would like to put some nice wheels and tires on it. It appears to have a 3'' lift kit on it. what size would be a good fit? I drive alot on the highway so I want something comfortable but yet rugged for the long michigan winters. thanks!! ;-) Keith
You can put 31" tires on a 3" lift - a 245/75/r16 is a popular size and at 30.5" actual it will look proportional. BFG KO2 is the highest rated all terrain tire that will get you through the winter with ease.
Just bought my 96 XJ 2 weeks ago. The PO installed new springs and shocks within the last 3 years and the lift is 1 1/2 inches. He didn't have records/receipts of what he bought, but I believe they are HD replacements. I have had OME on a Land Rover and a CJ7 and absolutely loved them. I was thinking of going with OME again, but these springs actually ride decent on the road. He had very old 235/75 15's and I decided to run 16's so I picked up a set of 16x7 Icons off of marketplace with used 235/70 16 off brand M&S tires. Yesterday I bought (ordered) 235/75 16 Goodyear DuraTrac tires for $135 each ($228 at tire rack). They were advertised at the wrong price, but honered my order so I couldn't pass them up. So they're 29.3 inches and with the 1 1/2 inch lift I'm not expecting any issues, but is there any experienced opinions on what I should look out for or add? I'm not experiencing any vibrations or unusual handling issues. I may consider going OME 2 inch after trying the current springs and shocks off road to see how well they work.
[QUOTE=Winterhawk;3654273]Just bought my 96 XJ 2 weeks ago. The PO installed new springs and shocks within the last 3 years and the lift is 1 1/2 inches. He didn't have records/receipts of what he bought, but I believe they are HD replacements. I have had OME on a Land Rover and a CJ7 and absolutely loved them. I was thinking of going with OME again, but these springs actually ride decent on the road. He had very old 235/75 15's and I decided to run 16's so I picked up a set of 16x7 Icons off of marketplace with used 235/70 16 off brand M&S tires. Yesterday I bought (ordered) 235/75 16 Goodyear DuraTrac tires for $135 each ($228 at tire rack). They were advertised at the wrong price, but honered my order so I couldn't pass them up. So they're 29.3 inches and with the 1 1/2 inch lift I'm not expecting any issues, but is there any experienced opinions on what I should look out for or add? I'm not experiencing any vibrations or unusual handling issues. I may consider going OME 2 inch after trying the current springs and shocks off road to see how well they work.[/QUOTE
Congrats on the Mud tire deal ! You might take the jeep to an alignment shop and get a good assessment of the bushings, joints and steering components. Then you might be able to set tight till you get your OME lift upgrade. Note, I got 2-1/4" actual lift on my XJ with their 2" lift. If your planning to go off road, I'd recomend: Longer brake lines in the rear are required - and the front replacement is recommended Sway bar discos will add articulation and save replacing sway bar bushings often An adjustable track bar will place the front wheels directly in-line with the rear wheels Stock lower control arms will work till the worn bushings fail. Rubican Express arms provide improved geometry and great long waring bushings
Great suggestions. I will more than likely get the LCA's and adjustable track bar at the same time I get the OME suspension. I'd like to wait a while before doing that, but 20 years of proven OME suspensions on my Land Rover and CJ have made me a believer so it might be sooner than later.
Ok, so i have a stock xj sport 4D 4WD and i was wondering what all do i need for a 2-3 inch lift. I plan on painting my stock rims black and buying some 31's-33's inch tires. I have seen lots of different prices of lifts and things. But what are ALL The components i will need for a lift kit??
Old Man Emu makes an outstanding lift - guaranteed for 3 years - rather than the typical 90 days Rubican Express for lower control arms, adj track bar, and sway-bar disconnects, HD Moog bushings, tie rod ends and ball joints, Longer SS brake lines
If your planning to go off road, I'd recomend: Longer brake lines in the rear are required - and the front replacement is recommended Sway bar discos will add articulation and save replacing sway bar bushings often An adjustable track bar will place the front wheels directly in-line with the rear wheels Stock lower control arms will work till the worn bushings fail. Rubican Express arms provide improved geometry and great long waring bushings
Last edited by Very Red XJ; 08-24-2021 at 07:07 PM.
Great suggestions. I will more than likely get the LCA's and adjustable track bar at the same time I get the OME suspension. I'd like to wait a while before doing that, but 20 years of proven OME suspensions on my Land Rover and CJ have made me a believer so it might be sooner than later.
Thanks! I did get a set of them, they are more quiet then my old BFG AT KOs but they were getting pretty worn. At highway speeds they aren’t too noisy and run fairly smooth, and they do well on our steep and rough gravel road. As far as off road, I only went up a mile or so of steep logging road for a quick test, but they do seem grippy.
Last edited by Max Conrad; 08-26-2021 at 10:29 AM.
Reason: Relevance
09-21-2015, 02:17 PM
Vibrations in your drive line after you lift your jeep?
YES, OME is always a great choice
