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What size of axle shims for 3" lift?

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Old 02-05-2016, 02:57 AM
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Default What size of axle shims for 3" lift?

I have a 97 Cherokee with auto transmission. It has 3" lift on 31's. I recently put a advance adapters SYE in with a front driveshaft out of another cherokee. I have read up on how to measure to calculate what size shims you need, but i don't have the correct tools to do so. I know all jeeps can be different but does anyone know what size of shims i would be safe to use? I plan on going to 4 1/2" lift eventually but nore sure when that will happen. I have been told 6 degree shims would work for what i have. Any advice would be appreciated.


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Old 02-05-2016, 12:35 PM
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Angle finders are cheap. I've used an angle finder app on a smartphone. You want to measure yourself because XJ's came with different rear axles (different axle tube sizes), Advertised lift doesn't mean it's that high/low, and different size shackles changes the angle (as well as shackle relocation brackets).

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/ho...1214507?page=1
Old 02-05-2016, 01:45 PM
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Mine's at 4.5", with the AA SYE and a different driveshaft but that doesn't matter. I have 6 degrees in mine, and everything works great. Vibes were cut down a lot after that.
Old 02-06-2016, 06:47 AM
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Originally Posted by indeepwithajeep
Angle finders are cheap. I've used an angle finder app on a smartphone. You want to measure yourself because XJ's came with different rear axles (different axle tube sizes), Advertised lift doesn't mean it's that high/low, and different size shackles changes the angle (as well as shackle relocation brackets).

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/ho...1214507?page=1


Absolutely.


OP, cut and move your perches, do it right.

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Old 02-08-2016, 10:40 AM
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DO NOT cut and move your perches. There's absolutely no reason to do that, and cutting anything should be avoided at all costs. Shims are exactly what you want for this.
Old 02-08-2016, 01:38 PM
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Originally Posted by aj2494
DO NOT cut and move your perches. There's absolutely no reason to do that, and cutting anything should be avoided at all costs. Shims are exactly what you want for this.
If you know what you're doing and can weld, it's honestly not a bad idea if you're planning on sticking with that axle. You'd want to relocate your shock mounts too. I'm running into an issue that I wasn't getting even droop on each side. Took me awhile to figure out why I had more shock travel on the passenger side even though that was the one hanging up first. Mainly it's due to to my shims from getting a good pinion angle. Also as your axle droops, the motion of the shackle extending increases pinion angle. To top that off your axle extends forward when drooped so extend away from that rear shock mount.


This is only if you're really serious about getting the absolute most out of your Jeep.


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Old 02-08-2016, 01:43 PM
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I think it's an awful idea to cut and move perches when you can just shim it. People rarely move perches on a small lift for a reason. There's literally no way you can screw up shims unless you put them in backwards, and tons of ways you can screw up perch placement.
Old 02-08-2016, 04:09 PM
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Shimming is correct in this case however, be aware that the mount studs for your shocks will be in a different angle and you may have to persuade them with a BFH and a deep socket to get them on the stud.
Old 02-10-2016, 02:54 AM
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Thanks everyone. I measured and from what I got i need either 3 or 4 degree shim. I have heard it is better to be under than over so i believe i am going to do the 3.
Old 02-10-2016, 09:45 AM
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If you don't have a local source for these, I would suggest buying a range from 3 to 8 or so degrees. They're pretty cheap, and it would be really annoying if you ordered just the 3's and ending up needing more. Not saying I don't trust your measurements, but you may find that 3 degrees is too little.
Old 02-10-2016, 11:12 AM
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I've found Iron Rock Offroad to have some of the best pricing on metal shims. You also could pick up a steering box spacer too if you're looking for another good cheap mod.
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