1994 XJ, 4.0, 231k miles, standard transmission, np 231 transfer case.



I just installed
RE 3.5" super ride lift kit
31" cooper tires
billstein 5100 mono tube shocks.
No SYE or transfer case drop.

Finally put together I attempted to slowly drive out the garage, until I heard a squeak near the rear drive shaft area and could see the gear handle move at the same time.

I only pulled out onto the driveway, exactly one car length forward. This didn't seem right so I parked it back into the garage.

When I installed the new leaf springs, I feel I made the mistake of doing both at the same time rather than just one.

When I pulled the second leaf sprinspring off the axle came undone rocking back and pulling the rear drive shaft about an inch. I'm not sure if this spacing is acceptable? Did I damage the u-joints in the process?







At the transfer case, you can see how far the rear drive shaft has moved before lifting.



At transfer case close up







At transfer case


rear

 

Looks like the yoke slid out the TC too far then got wedged in a bind when you put the axle back in. Try removing the driveshaft from the axle, then slide it out of the TC. Some ATF leaking is normal. Check the yoke , output shaft and u-joints for damage. If all is good reinstall the driveshaft making sure to slide the slip yoke in to the TC as far as it will go, then slide it out just enough to connect the DS to the axle. If it still binds you're going to need either an SYE or TC drop.

 

I've heard this lift kit will give you more than 3.5" inches, and it's got a pretty good angle on the DS. I will attempt this first thing tomorrow being that I'm not home, your advice sounds logical. Thanks for your input, with this being my first Jeep I'm running into all kinds of new stuff. I really do appreciate the help. I'll be sure to give an update soon here

 

Sounds good, definitely keep us posted. Indeed the RE springs give way more lift than advertised. I'm running 4.5" RE Coils, 3.5" RE leafs ,and 1" lift shackles. Initially gained over 6" of total lift, almost 2yrs later after serving DD duty and plenty of flexing I'm still a touch over 5".

 

Was the Jeep sitting on the floor with all the weight on the leafs before you tightened them down?

 

No I had the frame sitting on jackstands at the rear, front end had wheels on ground.

 

So I jacked up the rear end on jackstands, rotated the shaft and it was obvious that it had a pinch point preventing it from rotating. Unbolted the DS, disconnected and keeping it level with the axle I rotated. Even at the TC end the DS was getting in a bind while rotating.

So I lifted the bottom end of the DS about an inch and rotated, no binding at the TC end. It would spin free without any hiccups. I'm guessing an SYE kit or a TC drop temporary?



At this angle the DS spins without any binding

 

DS unbolted, pushed back into TC and took what I needed. It gets in a pretty good pinch from here

 

Angle is obvious here, binding

 

Damn that blows. At least you found out before it caused any serious damage. To me the yoke looks like it's sticking out of the TC too far. The manual trans must be shorter than the auto. It's unusual to hear of DS binding at 3.5". IMHO if it's not a DD and you have the time go ahead and install a SYE and JY drive shaft. It's worth $200 to only have o do it once. Thanks for keeping us updated, I like to see how things work out as to better help others with the same issues.

 

Yeah it does suck! Out of all the reviews I heard of guys using a TC drop or nothing at a 3.5" lift with minimal vibrations, but never getting hung up like mine. I know my lift is sitting at least 4" higher.

Gonna try a TC drop for now being that it's my second vehicle and Christmas is around the corner. After I recoop from holiday shopping I'll treat myself to an SYE kit. Hopefully by feb-march time frame

 

I just lowered the rear end back on ground to see exactly what angle the DS would spin freely. Next question is..how many inches TC drop kit?
I'm guessing 2 inches, your guy's thoughts??

 

When connected the U-joint is centered at 16" inches and when disconnected the U-joint is centered at 13.5" spinning freely

 

Avoid that and go sye. all troubles solved and future issues avoided. if you must go with the drop, you NEVER go more then an inch.

you lifted almost 4 inches and want to give 2 inches of clearance back? do you wheel?