Hi. I'm narrowing down my choice for my lift. I checked my TC ID plate, it's a 231. I've been reading a lot of posts but can't pin the answer. How do you know if you need to alter the drivetrain with a 3" lift on my TC? I don't want to find out the hard way that I need one, or waste money on additional parts if I don't. Thanks.

 

Seems to be kind of hit or miss, some people need them, some don't. On my 93 with 3" I did. On my 95 with 3" I dont. The drop is only ~30, so not out much if you don't need it. But if you ever plan to go bigger you will need it, or a SYE is recommended.

 

I have a '91, 3" on 31's with a 231 and I don't need a TC drop.

 

What year??

Pre 95 is less likely to need a drop than 96 and later.... TC drop is a cheap way of fixing, lift induced driveline vibes. Until you do the lift you won't know if you will have vibes. You do NOT need a kit to do a TC drop. lowes ahs all the parts for a fraction of the cost of a kit. Remember the REAL fix for driveline vibes, is a SYE and double cardan Driveshaft.

 

Do you really need a 3" lift kit? What are your regular activities? May be 3" is to much for you.

 

Thanks for the replies... I was thinking the same, and hoping for a set answer. Seems it's all based on the reaction of the vehicle. Some need it, others don't.

As for the need for 3"... Long Island beach sand is like driving in the desert, you dig into it pretty fast.. then some light trails, and fun in Upstate/PA. So I'll get use out of it for sure.

 

For sand, get a lunchbox locker up front and a portable compressor so you can air down.

 

I grew up wheelin' at smith's point. I had a few full size blazers, an s10, and a 2000 xj. The blazers I aired down to 10-12 psi. The s10 and xj 15-18. Honestly the xj didn't really need it, but it rode better. Never had a lift on any of them, never got stuck but pulled out a few full size trucks with the s10 and xj. However IMO you can't go wrong with a 3" lift. Maybe you'll need to drop the tc, maybe you won't.

 

I agree!! You may not need it and if you do all you need is longer bolts and some spacers that are .75" to 1" long. Easily found at the hardware store. We used steel gas line for a fireplace and cut it down with a sawzall before. Big money saver.