JAYSSICKXJ

I bought a jeep with the 4.5 lift installed already. The owner never added a SYE. I dont have any vibration. just was wondering if i can flex it with out the shaft falling out? He used it as just a driver not an offroader. I am just getting into this jeep thing and dont know alot about them yet.. Thanks!

Drewjharper1900

You're not gona get a yes or no answer. I say just try it and bring some extra tc fluid and some wrenches with you. Ive never seen a drive shaft get dropped but i wouldent think that it would be that hard to put back in. Just un-bolt the u-joint, but the slip back in and bolt back up. But you also run the risk of tearing up the splines at the end of the slip. Some people run 8" of lift with no sye and no ill effects, and some people (like me) get vibes with just 3" of lift. A sye is never a bad thing. If you have the money, just go ahead and get one and use an xj front drive shaft.

agent8

You could do a hack and tap for a bit cheaper than a SYE. You get a reworked driveshaft, and everything you need for like $260 as opposed to the $400+ you will spend on a sye. I am around 5.5-6" and I have no vibes, I have done some fairly good wheeling and it has never popped out but I don't want to take the chance. Mine should be here today or tomorrow.

harleyxj

I've got a 4.5" lift with dropped t case but no SYE and I go wheeling 4 times a week, and I've never had a problem.

s14unimog

I'm @ 4.5" but with an 5-speed transmission (which is shorter than the AW4, so the shaft is longer and the angles are better) and wheel every week practically, with no rear sway bar; no issues. I can't vouch for the auto's but you should be okay. Unless the previous owner did some work to the rear end, the rear won't droop that much, esp. with a rear sway bar connected. Wouldn't hurt to have a transfer case drop.

WillyXJ

Do you not have a job? Wish I could go that often.

agent8

I have heard that a t-case drop puts strain on other parts and is more of a temporary "band aid."

ClaytonXJ

If driving down a dirt path and through puddles is your type of "wheeling" like most folks, then you will probably be fine. If you're actually going to wheel it and hammer it I'd give it about 10 minutes before the shaft is on the ground and the back of the tailshaft housing is broken off. Can't even count how many times I've seen it on friend's rigs. Some as small as 3" lift with 29" tires. A couple with 4.5". We've driven a few home completely broken with no fluid. Bring a 5/16 or 8mm wrench and hope for the best. Or just do it right...

s14unimog

It probably can't help with the 4wd linkage but I can't think of anything else up there that will be that affected by it. Maybe the exhaust hanger ?

Byro

Ive never seen one fall out, if its going to do anything it will just bind and wear out u-joints faster.

EVILXJ

hit or miss, im at 4.5 and only really beat on it a few times with no problems

harleyxj

I do lol I usually go after work or dinner haha I need to get my fix :P

JAYSSICKXJ

Thanks guys.. It is a daily driver so i am not scaling 45° hills.. But i thank you all for the peace of mind. I feel a bit better.. When U do the hack and tap do I need to have a shaft built to be a bit shorter then? OH.. I have a 1" TC drop as well sorry forgot to add that.. Thanks again for all the advise!

Jarrett

What do you consider wheeling lol...?

Tattookid85

Yeah i wanna know what you consider wheeling!! Lmao