How many have run into the NEED for a TCD on a 3" lift? I specifically bought this lift because I didn't want to change the geometry THAT much. Now I have a steering wheel vibration at around 30-35mph. It's not serious but it's enough to concern me.

I just installed a 3" lift from Rustys w leaf a new pack. The tires/rims are the same, and I didn't even rotate them. The only thing changed is the lift.
What Gives!!!???
I'm going to Hatteras in a week and I need my XJ in shape!
Help!!

 

What year jeep do you have? Pre 97's are less prone to vibes so you can probably get away without one but 97 and newer usually need one.

 

I have a 2k.
I guess a 1" drop will work or should I just go ahead and do a 2" since I'm under there?
How bad is it for the truck to drive it like this? I'd imagine not good, but it's not THAT bad. It just worries me. We all know how we feel when our "children" are"hurting".

 

if its the steering wheel vibrating chances are its not drivline vibes but its a mild case of death wobble...

Did you kit come with a new trackbar? Did you have it alligned after you instaled everything?

 

Well my old XJ had a case of the "Wobble" and this is nothing like it. I'm definitely no expert though, and I also have yet to drive it past 45mph. (We cracked the brake line while putting in the brake line extension) I needed to order a new line so it has been sitting until I can put it on (tomorrow).
It has the factory track bar and I have not yet had it aligned.
It is a "silent" vibration. My buddy was riding shotgun and didn't feel/hear the vibe, I only noticed it because of the direct "feedback" I was getting from the steering wheel.

 

I would suggest a 1" tcd and an alignment. As the op stated 97+ are more prone to vibes.
Good luck

 

i just happened to have a 98 231 and a 91 242 next to each other today to do a comparison and noticed that the 98 is ~1.5" longer than the 91. the 91 has a slip yoke that touches oil while on the 98 the slip yoke never goes "into" the transfer case. its this extra length that causes the newer jeeps to need a transfer case drop or a SYE at lower lifts. other than the output shaft length, the two transfer cases were nearly identical except for some casting changes.

zedpapa

 

get adjustable track bar and alignment and wheel balance!

 

also, a driveline vibration is usually felt in the seat, in my experience anyways. if you're feeling the steering wheel shake it usually means wheel balance or alignment issues. if you lifted it, the front wheels now have excessive toe-in because of the design of the steering linkage.

zedpapa

 

A tc drop isn't going to help with the steering.

 

It might even be a worn out track bar bushing or worn out tie rod ends.

 

Start by getting an alignment. It needs it anyways. Then from there start checking your TREs and trac bar ends. Make sure everything is nice and tight too. When I installed my new adjustable front trac bar on my ZJ I forgot to fully tighten the topside bolt. It gave me a slight wobble. I over looked that bolt too many times. was under it looking at the condition of the steering stabilizer when I realized the bolt wasn't tight. Everything rides smooth now!

 

I agree.. I doubt very seriously that it is related to the need for a transfer case drop.. I would say it isnt a bad idea to do that but it is not causing your issue.. you have an allignment issue. you need to do an adjustable track bar, do an allignment and have your tires balanced. Steering wheel wobbles arent a driveline issue. I studied NVH for 2 years and i am sick of it.. But i know it.. And it drives me nuts, now i hear and feel everything in all of my cars and everyone thinks i am nuts!!!