SYE VS T.C. Lowering Kit
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 85
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ok so my plan to through some major parts on my xj fell through, due to monetary and time constraints. So im planning on doing a dirt cheap lift with S10 or Durango leafs and some f 150 coils. This should give me 2 - 3 inches of lift, now i know this isnt huge but it does change my slip yoke. Ive seen some skyjacker spacer you apparently drop ure transfer case somehow? ( I have no experience in this area of XJ mechanics). Is that just a crappy idea or can i do that and escape spending a bunch on a full fledged SYE kit?


I have a drop kit on mine (works) but there is no piece of mind like a sye. the drop kit doesnt lower it enough, still runs on the outer splines. a little worrysome when hard wheelin
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,251
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From: Eugene, OR
Year: 01
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L I6
see how it is after you do the lift and go from there. every jeep reacts differently to lift. IMO a tcase drop negates the entire process of lifting a jeep.
I agree with the Okie, I've been running one for years with no issues to speak of. I did wad up my DS on some rocks on a wheeling trip last summer, so when I had it rebuilt, I had them add an inch to it to have more spline engagement. FWIW, I plan on getting a H&T ASAP. HTH!!
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Yea a SYE would def be a better solution but this is my DD that i want to be able to not get stuck in the occasional offroad foray into a field or on the dirt roads around home. Im goin to use a different vehicle for a Full offroad machine and i will def put a SYE kit on that one i just want to make sure on this Xj that my transfer case wont go caput on me while im doin 60 down the highway.
at this level of lift you probably wont even need the trans drop just do the lift first and go from there if you have vibration's then worry about this. but i would do the slip yoke over a transfer case drop any day of the week.
I agree, at 3" you may not even need the t-case drop kit. Put it on and see, it's real easy to install one if needed, and there is a thread here that will walk you through it. It's in the write up section.
my XJ is lifted 2"s, no sye or t-case drop. The thing with dropping your case is it lowers it out back but your front out put will be put at a worse angle. Either go for the sye or nothing at all.
here chaep and easy, if its mostly going to be a dd then bu this
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f48/xj-tc-drop-kit-7769/
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f48/xj-tc-drop-kit-7769/
i first had a 3" and no tcase drop or sye no problems at all then i added 2" coil spacers and shackles and a 1.5" t-case drop and shes smooth as can be all the way till i bury the needle
lift it and drive it to see how it acts. i wouldnt go thro w/ the drop if i didnt need to. an SYE w/ a 3" lift is a hair unnecessary, but i have heard some people have had to do it to get rid of the vibration




