So pardon my ignorance but I'm still learning in the Jeep/offroad scene. I've got a 94 4-door XJ. I've aquired a 4.5" RE lift that I've been sitting on for about 6 months now because I didn't want to fork out the money for an SYE. I've recently learned of the "Hack 'n Tap" method and how much cheaper it is than a lot of these SYE kits I've found. So I know I need to get the seal flange since I have a pre-96 but my question is... If I already own all the tools and have a spare drive shaft, can I not just "hack" my own yoke and center punch it for the bolt to bolt it up to the output shaft?

This site has already answered most questions before asking so I appreciate your guys' help in advance.

 

Just go with the sye if you have the 231 t case. If have the 242 then hnt is the only option besides t woods conversion

 

Ok... not what I asked but thanks anyway.

 

If you are referring to "hacking" your existing yoke... I believe the answer is no. IIRC the stock yoke has a different u-joint end than required for the new shaft.

Why not just get the HnT kit? Or at least the yoke, then pick up a front shaft to use.

 

Thank u Driver.... that's the part i was trying to decide on. Being able to use my existing yoke is what was holding me back from ordering the kit. I didn't see the point in spending $120 on a yoke if I could just modify the one I have.

 

You cant do a sye on a 242? I might have an issue then cause I just ordered a rc 4.5.....

 

I heard something about that you could use a yoke from a 8.25 axle or something like that. But I am not sure about the details.

 

No problem at all! i have an NP242 along with many other that are lifted over 4". its only available as a HnT tho. I bought my SYE from Rubicon Express and it was pretty simple. then used a flange yoke to butt against it then to the ds and done!

 

You can do a SYE but it has to be a H&T. Im running the ironrock one on mines right now. Still no probs.

 

Anybody else have any know how?

 

There is a yoke you can use off a Dodge van I believe, the part number is listed on here from Six States. The part number is for the NP231. A few have found the yoke at the jy along with a front shaft. Refurbish them and you will be set. This might be cheaper than buying the kit.

If you have the NP242 you must do the HnT. There is no SYE available.

 

Hnt is most common but there is a full SYE from Tom Woods for the NP242

 

Considet this:

If your tcase suffers a catastrophic failure you run the risk of destroying that SYE.

If you went with a HnT you can just unbolt the yoke and slap it on the next tcase. No need to buy another SYE.

I have yet to hear complaints about a HnT failure...

 

I like the HNT for that reason also.

 

As do I.