Hello everyone.

I recently added a RC 3" lift to my '98 XJ. I am having some minor clunking and have noticed I am losing gear fluid from the rear axle where the DS enters.

My question is: What's the issue, and how do I fix it?

Thanks guys.

 

A new pinion oil seal. Pretty easy fix and they arn't expensive.

You will need a 1 1/4 socket to get the nut off.

well first remove the drive shaft. 4 small 8mm bolts. Tape up the u-joint to keep the the u-joint from falling apart and having needle bearings every where.

Then take the pinion nut off. the pinion should come off easliy but the seal will fight ya to get off. once you get it off. put a small bead of RTV around the new one and instal. Use a rubber mallet. I cut a hole in a 2x6 that the pinion shaft would fit through and whacked it on. took a bit but it went. Then reinstall you will have to look up torque specs as I can't remember. then reinstall the drive shaft.

You may have to do the SYE/Longer Driveshaft to get rid of the vibes completly since you have lifted the truck. There are cheaper less effective options. like a T-case drop kit.

ALso the hack and tap is a good viable option.

 

Would fixing the seal be a band-aid or a permnent fix? Would the new seal get eaten up with the vibrations?

 

It could get eaten up with the vibes. It would have to be pretty bad vibes though. The pinion is not supposed to have slop. Your jeep is now 14 years old so it could just be coincidence. Either way I would take care of the vibes then fix the pinion leak just incase.

 

Whats the best bet for the vibes? Do I need to do a TC drop or can I "roll" the front of rear end up?

 

Pinion angle should be parallel to the output shaft of the transfer case. If it's not shim the axle until it is. That will cause most vibrations.

 

Best bet is also the most expensive. SYE (slip yoke eliminator) with a longer tom woods drive shaft.

Next is a Hack n tap. And using a front drive shaft.

Next Rusty's make a drop crossmember which is pretty effective with out losing any ground clearance. Still a band aid.

Last is a Drop kit. ALL it is, is 4 bushing with longer bolts which lowers your stock crossmember an inch. You lose ground clearance.