I am going to do a 4.5" semi-budget lift and i was wondering, is it okay to run with a t-case drop? or do i have to get a SYE, my cherokee is my only driveable vehicle and i have no money to play with so if i **** my t-case ill be out of luck..

 

nothing wrong with a hack and tap sye (RE) for moderate to ligh-heavy wheeling.
While you save up for a driveshaft run the rig in front wheel drive (don't beat on it)
a t-case drop will put stress on your motor mounts and exhaust manifold/down pipe and with a 2000 may or may not get rid of vibrations.

The t-case output shaft is so long on the '97 up rigs that it acts like a lever to put stress on the internals of the t-case. An SYE shortens the shaft and reduces the stress's significantly.

Of course the best way to go would be a short shaft conversion/SYE.

 

And there's a H&T for sale here!!

 

Hack-n-tap's are just as good as long as you are not trying to use your rig to compete or something,but if the XJ is your only ride I think it may be smart to get you another ride before you start modding and wheeling your only ride? Unless you do not plan on taking it off the concrete then just do a transfer case drop.

 

Yeah I dont wheel that much, probably wont wheel that much when I lift it, monthly maybe on some pretty easy trails, I cant beat on her too hard lol...

 

Would it be okay to do some light wheeling with a Tcase drop for a while?

 

you will be fine with t case drop till you get the money for an sye. thats what i am doing and have been running the t case drop for 2 to 3 months now

 

Definately, it's highway driving that will cause the (possability of) ill effects...
On a 2000 with 4.5" of lift, the drop will not fix the real problem (long output acting as a lever)... save for an SYE.
Rig's older than 1997 had a shorter output shaft, and are less prone to driveline issues on lifts up to about 4"-5"...

Sometimes a t-case drop (and axle shims) solves the problems of driveline vibrations, sometimes it does not...

 

it solved it on mine, all i have is front end vibrations which i need to take care of...but anyway a t-case drop will be aight, but i eventually wanna get an SYE which is the best thing you can do.....time and money....time and money.....