My XJ has about 3.5 inches of lift in the front and back. 1.5 inches from coil spacers and 2 inch lift coils. Also have 1.5 inch lift leaf spring pack and 2 inches from extended leaf spring brackets. So I have a few problems I have questions to.
- the front axle seems to be pulled to the drivers side slightly. Would that mean I need a new track bar? Perhaps an adjustable track bar?
- I believe the lift has screwed up the driveline angle. I was wondering what would be the best way to correct that issue?
- I upgraded to a ZJ steering setup. The tie rod end to the pitman arm has A LOT of play in it. The pitman arm moves almost an inch in both directions before it moves the rest of the steering system. Everything is new and tight. Could I have been sold the wrong toe rod end?
CF Veteran
Yes, you either need an adjustable track bar, the preferred method or you need to re drill a hole in the axle bracket to move the axle over about an inch.
Yes, you have changed the pinion angle by about 4°, but you need to measure the angle of the transfer case and pinion and then shim the axle to bring it to within about 4° of each other or the driveline will vibrate.
You need to look for side to side movement at all joints when you have someone operate the steering for you
Yes, you have changed the pinion angle by about 4°, but you need to measure the angle of the transfer case and pinion and then shim the axle to bring it to within about 4° of each other or the driveline will vibrate.
You need to look for side to side movement at all joints when you have someone operate the steering for you
Quote:
Yes, you have changed the pinion angle by about 4°, but you need to measure the angle of the transfer case and pinion and then shim the axle to bring it to within about 4° of each other or the driveline will vibrate.
You need to look for side to side movement at all joints when you have someone operate the steering for you
I'll probably get an adjustable track bar just in case I want to go bigger lift one of these daysOriginally Posted by 4.3L XJ
Yes, you either need an adjustable track bar, the preferred method or you need to re drill a hole in the axle bracket to move the axle over about an inch.Yes, you have changed the pinion angle by about 4°, but you need to measure the angle of the transfer case and pinion and then shim the axle to bring it to within about 4° of each other or the driveline will vibrate.
You need to look for side to side movement at all joints when you have someone operate the steering for you
And is shimming the most effective? I havent done any shimming before but imagine it wouldnt be the most effective? How about a t-case drop or a double U joint?
CF Veteran
Shimming is the most effective. Unless you want to get a slip yoke eliminator, in which case you will shim the axle for proper pinion alignment anyway
EvanM
CF Veteran
close
Apr 27, 2026
- Join DateAug 2018
- LocationIdaho
- Posts:1,900
- Year89
- ModelCherokee (XJ)
- EnginePeddles
-
Likes:282
-
Liked:346 Times in 285 Posts
Shackle relocation bracket and 6" shackle will improve pinion range alot.
this will point the pinion damn near straight at the tcase.
If your pitman arm has 1" each wayof free play I would not drive it until you figure that out . Or maybe your not explaining what your actually seeing well
I myself am not huge on shims.
I wouldnt feel the need to shim at 3" of lift. And would shim as a last resort that's one good reason to stay with lifts under 4"
this will point the pinion damn near straight at the tcase.
If your pitman arm has 1" each wayof free play I would not drive it until you figure that out . Or maybe your not explaining what your actually seeing well
I myself am not huge on shims.
I wouldnt feel the need to shim at 3" of lift. And would shim as a last resort that's one good reason to stay with lifts under 4"