1998 XJ, Classic, 4.0, Auto 4x4

Okay, I installed a 2" Fat Bob's budget lift over the weekend and now I've got a grinding noise coming from the rear (actually it feels like it's under the seat). I thought it was from where the tailpipe was hitting the rear shackle, so I cut it off and it's still doing it. It only makes the vibration/grinding when I let off the accelerator. Is it possible that I need to drop the transfer case? I didn't think I had to with a 2" lift. I read all the posts about angles and pinions and frankly, I don't understand any of it. I'm only running 235/75/15 tires, so it's not that high, but I need an experts advice on this one. Should I even be driving it?

 

It could be a u-joint. I never did have anything I would describe as a grinding.

I lifted my '99 about 2" with new springs and replaced my u-joints, but it wasn't until I dropped my transfer case crossmember 1" that I got rid of all of the vibration.

 

My U-Joints are new, so I don't think that's it. Also, it started the minute I put the lift in. How did you drop your transfer case? Did you use a kit of fab something up?

 

if it happened as soon as you put on BB you probably do need to drop TC or ya had a u joint that was about to go anyway.

I have done a 98 BB that was the same way...... it had slight rear vibes and noise. Dropped the tc and all went back to normal.

 

I just looked in the Quadratech catalog and I don't see a drop kit for a 2" lift. Anybody know where to get one?

 

Ebay sells them cheap...Tj

 

it doesnt need to be for your kit. any tcase drop kit will work. Just took mine out and did an SYE. Its amazing

 

You put brand spankin new u-joints in when you did the budget boost? You should or you will noise from them. U-joints wear and they develop a memory very quickly.

 

did you put shackles on the back they are prob hitting the bumper mounting bolts look at the rear of the shackle

 

No, I replaced the U-joints about a month ago.

 

can you post picks of the drives shaft angles

 

with that small of lift you should not need one

 

Newer cherokees have more vibration issues when lifting. With a 2" lift on my 99 I needed a 1" TC drop.

 

I just fabbed my own. I had some 1/2" x 2' aluminum flat stock that I doubled up and drilled for new bolts that I got at the local parts store. Be careful removing the studs in the unibody frame. I soaked them for a few days with penetrating oil.

 

Hi selbona,

About two years ago i fitted 3" front lift & 2 1/2" Add-a-leaf in the back to my 01 Classic without any probs, but did get a small vib in the rear drive shaft. This was caused by an incorrectly assembled Uni & once replaced haven't had any vibration at all.
I've now gone to 4" Lift Frt & Rear with a Hack'n'Tap/XJ Double-Card Front Driveshaft fitted in the back....No vibration at 130kph(80mph) tho a mate did the same lift in his 95 Limited & had to drop the transfer case 1" to stop the shakes.
If you have lifted the rear by extending the shackles, you will have more problems with the handling than just vibrations