Hey everyone, I just ordered my new 6.5" LA kit from Rough Country today. I have a 98 Cherokee Classic with the NP231 T Case and a stock front and rear end. I was thinking about getting this SYE
http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet...minator/Detail What do you guys think about it? It seems pretty good for the price. Also if not this one what others would you recommend? I have heard that you can use the front drive shaft out of a 91+ auto XJ as a replacement for the non CV rear drive shaft. But I have also read that this only works for some lift / SYE combination's and others it is to short for. Will this work with my setup or is 6.5" to high of a lift to use this drive shaft? Again if this one will not work what other CV drive shafts has everyone used / recommend? I have looked into Tom Woods and a few others but I would rather not pay that much if I don't have to. Also if I have the same shaft in the front and rear I can get another for a spare if either break. Thanks for the help everyone!

 

another option for you...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hack-...item518fee54ad

 

Thanks for the link. So I assume you think the front stock shaft will be long enough? I was going to get a Hack n Tap but I have to pull apart the T case anyway because it is having shifting issues so I figured while I was in there I might as well just put in an SYE.

 

aaahhh... yeah then a SYE i guess would be better in your case... stock front shaft used on the back? aahh im not sure really... there are different length shafts... like ive read ZJ shafts are longer the XJ and yattayatta... if u get one from a JY be sure to measure them all and grab the longest one...

 

im pretty sure ive seen people use stock front shafts on the back at 6.5... but im not one of them yet so ill let someone with 6.5in tell u for sure... lol... i think im gonna be around 8.5 so im pretty much screwed... lol

 

Haha yeah that sounds like custom drive shaft materiel. Any more opinions on whether or not the front shaft will work? It would be nice to hear from someone who has used one.

 

That's a great deal on the hack n tap. Another benefit to the full SYE though is the beefier shaft.

I just went through major research and testing for my SYE's shaft. I was also hoping to use a stock front xj shaft. But no, I have too much lift and w/my 8.8, I also moved my wheelbase back 1". I had to have a custom shaft made. Luckily, my friend had an LJ shaft from work, and I got it shortened and w/a new rear joint, it was $140.

You may be able to use a ZJ, or WJ front shaft as they are a bit longer, but at 6.5", you may have to get a custom shaft as well.

Here's the lengths on front shafts that I hope helps:

XJ 89/01 4.0 Automatic 30.660 inches
XJ 89/01 4.0 Manual 29.250 inches

ZJ 1993 4.0 Automatic 30.530
ZJ 93/95 5.2 Automatic 32.870 w/o CV
ZJ 94/95 5.2 A500 30.625 w/o CV
ZJ 94/95 4.0 A500 w/o CV
ZJ 93/96 4.0 Manual
ZJ 93/96 4.0, 5.2 31.875 w/ 231, 242
ZJ 93/95 4.0 Manual 30.000 w/231
ZJ 93/96 5.2 33.000 w/ 231
ZJ 96/98 5.2, 5.9 31.250 w/ 249 & Model 30
ZJ 1996 5.2 Automatic 32.875 w/ 249 & Model 30
ZJ 96/98 4.0 33.000 w/ 242
ZJ 96/97 4.0 Automatic 31.250
ZJ 1996 5.2 Automatic 30.750 w/ 249 & Model 30
ZJ 96/98 4.0 33.500 w/ 249

WJ 99/00 4.0 34.625 52099497AD
WJ 99/00 4.7 33.250 52099498AD
WJ 01/04 4.0 34.625 52105884AA *
WJ 02/04 4.7 32.000 CV 52853500AB

At normal driving length, my shaft had to be at about 36", so neither of these worked for me. After the SYE, try mounting your front shaft and see how short it is. Maybe the ZJ/WJ will work. If so, that's great, you can grab one at the pull n pay for about $25.

 

thats a nice list to have...

 

im running a RE superride 3.5", and i dont have a tc drop or an SYE, the driveline vibes im getting arent that bad becuase i have 2 degree shims between the axle and leafs (idk if they're actually helping or not), and my friend went thru two front driveshafts after doing a 4.5" lift and tc drop on his WJ. i plan on getting coil spacers and a shackle kit to try to get another inch or so cuz im puttin 32s on. you guys said that at 6.5" most of the stock shafts are too short, but what about 4.5" (ish) of lift? and im thinkin about doin the hac n tap, so would i be able to pick up a hac n tap kit and stock drive shaft or is there more to it?

 

That is a very helpful list to have... thanks a lot djlarroc! I pretty much get it now, to do this right I really need to install the SYE and lift then measure the distance and go from there. So far the lift should be here tomorrow and I just ordered this SYE tonight http://www.oconeeoffroad.com/servlet...minator/Detail

Thanks for the help guys! Hopefully it will all be coming together soon.

 

Good luck man!