96XJGUY

I got a quick question for yall. I just finished intalling my Rustys 3 inch kit. Everything went fairly smooth until I took it for a drive. I didnt even get it shifted into 3rd gear before it sounded like my axle was going to explode. I do not have the money to buy a SYE and CV driveshaft right now and this is my DD. I made a 1 inch drop for the transfercase and that helped out some but I still get that binding/popping noise on decel/no-load. It seems fine when its under power. I noticed that the rear spring packs did not have any shims on them and my pinion is sitting almost dead horizontal with the ground. I was going to order a set of 3* and 6* shims to maybe help things out. Has anyone else encountered this issue? I bought the 3 inch so I would not have to do a SYE and all that jazz. Any help would be great. I need to get this thing back on the road ASAP.

Gatchmo5710

did you get it aligned??? and did you adjust trac bar??

96XJGUY

No, did not need to have it aligned (specs did not change). Still using factory trac bar but I did center the axle by welding up the old hole and drilling a new hole for the trac bar axle mount.

Desert Rat

I'm not familier with the Rustys lift but my 3" Skyjacker came with the shims already attached to the leaves. What your describing sounds like your noise is coming from your U-joints. My guess would be improper pinion angle combined with worn U-joints.

96XJGUY

Thats what I was thinking. I guess I will order the shims now. 3 degree or 6 degree? I guess it wouldn't hurt to put some new u joints in while I am at it.

phatkat

Im planning on lifting my 99 xj to run 31's if I install a 4.5 lift will I need to use a SYE and new driveshafts. Im thinking that if I install a 3in lift I can get away without all the extra's. what do you think I do plan on running the trails with it.

96XJGUY

Well with 4.5 you will def need a SYE and driveshaft. I just put a 3" on mine last night and I can't drive it at all without wondering if the driveshaft is going to come flying out from under it. So to answer your question, I would say that you may or may not need one for a 3". Looks like mine is going to. Which is why its going to be sitting for at least 3 to 4 months now which I am really pissed about.

ZachsXJ

WRONG. So very very wrong.

read this: http://www.4xshaft.com/index.html

The pinion angle should be parallel with the angle of the transfer-case output.

I have 3" of lift with brand new u-joints in my rear driveshaft and almost zero vibrations even at 80mph.

His problem is probably from u-joints that are way beyond their serviceable life. You'd be surprise how much vibration old u-joints that have rust instead of grease in them will cause. Ask me how I know

Black00XJ

Oh, how ever do you know?????

phatkat

I have friends with 3in lifts on thier xjs and none of them had to extend thier driveshafts

Black00XJ

Like I said. 5.5" lift on 35's................and stock DS and no shims or X-fer case drop

ZachsXJ

We'll just say I had horrible driveline vibrations, ended up ripping the driveshaft off the rear axle on a hill climb, and when I replaced the u-joint, there was nothing but rust and the remnants of needle bearings in the u-joint caps. Lol; put new u-joints on and haven't had problems since.

96XJGUY

Strange, I don't know what is going on. All my u joints feel tight.

Desert Rat

Exactly what I meant, when you lift it you alter the angle from what came from the factory. The shims help to bring it back within the desired spec. He said he dropped the TC (reduced driveline angle slightly) and it helped a bit. That leads me to believe the angle is too far off. I suggested that U-joints might be part of the issue because it would make sense that if they were already worn, putting more stress on them due to excessive angle would cause what may have already been a problem to suddenly become more noticeable.

rwaugh

I'm looking to do a lift and like everyone else I don't have a lot of money. Also my wife will be driving it more than me so I need it to be safe. I won't be doing a lot of off roading but mainly going for the look. I was thinking of the RC 3" but should I go to the 4.5". I hear anything above 3" you need the SYE. Is that true? Also I don't want it to end up being to wide either. Again my wife will be driving it.......I saw that RE has a 3.5" kit with leaf packs for around $550 is that a good kit and again will I need to do a SYE? Thanks guys