xj lift/driveshafts

X-jeepwheelin-J

New Member
Joined
Nov 13, 2008
Location
Edgemore, SC
i have an 89 xj and a 98 xj. i was wondering how much of a lift i can put on these before running into driveshaft problems and when this happens best way to fix it. trying to work on a budget. thanks for any help.
 
i know with a 6.5" rough country recommends a sye and 2 piece driveshaft. i would say anything up to that point you would be ok
 
it really all depends. some people get bad vibrations at 3". some get them after 6". on the older ones its LESS likely to get vibs. you can get a SYE and put a front shaft in the rear up to around 7". some guys put in a certain (cant recall) grand cherokee shaft in the rear cause its an inch longer. i run little over 5" on a 98 and have minimal vibs.
 
I put a 3.5" RE lift on my '85 XJ and had some vibrations at highway speed, and noise when accelerating or hard braking. Over time the springs sagged and it went away. However, I went through pinion seals pretty rapidly. I'd say any more than 3" and you're going to want to at least shim your axle (which really isn't the best fix).
 
You can do a cheap SYE using a hack and tap and a front DS out of an aw4/4.0 XJ....

It does all depend, for the 97+ the rule of thumb is 3" or so is safe but anything beyond that...

I've got 4.5" or so of lift on my '97 with the stock driveline, between a t-case drop and some lift shackles in the rear my angles aren't too bad and I don't vibe even at highway speed.


I'd say the issue you'll hit more likely than driveline angles will be track bar length/frame side mount location.

If you go over 2.5" or so you will have to deal with lots of things if you want the XJ to ride reasonably well.

Over 3-3.5" and you'll need to extend brakelines, get a new trackbar, control arms, etc...

This can be done on the cheap if you've got some fab skills and know which parts store upgrades to make. Check over at NAXJA, there's all kinds of info there.
 
ive ran 6.5 wiith no sye but wicked vibes...In my opinon if your gona wheel 3inch and up needs the sye. alot of people get away with mild stuff 33's and 4.5 without one but you will always want one. Go get one if your going up in height, youll always be glad you did.
 
im running a 6.5" lift adn 33's on my 88 XJ without a SYE kit. The vibrations are not to bad. i feel it most when at about 35-40 mph when im accelerating. i would recommend a SYE kit if your going to be doing alot of wheeling though.
 
chromerunner said:
alot of people get away with mild stuff 33's and 4.5 without one but you will always want one.
Click to expand...


Agreed, I feel like I'm just getting by the way it is now. I don't think I'll ever go any higher in lift height even (comp cut and more fender trimming to come) but I still want an SYE.
 
thanks

thanks for all the help and info. i do have an adjustable track bar and adjustable control arms up front. along with 3.5" coils. i believe i will add a set of coil spacers and shackle and new leafs rear along with trim some. also i am picking up a 99 xj next week for a few parts if anyone needs anything i will be parting some of vehicle out so just let me know what you need and ill see if i cant get it for ya. thanks again.
 
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