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Driveshaft choice after SYE Install

Nwcharger

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Eatonville
So I have a 1997 Cherokee sport with the 231 transfer case, 8.25 rear end and a 5.5 RE lift. I am installing a rugged ridge SYE kit today. My question is does anyone know off hand what front driveline out of what year Cherokees/grand Cherokees I can use or do I just have to wait till I install it and do the measurements. I saw the FAQ thread on driveline lengths. If I have to wait to measure I assume I can just use that. Also will I have to shim the rear axle? Thanks in advance.
 
might have to shim. remove front shaft and test fit it on the rear, assuming you have an auto trans. should be close if not be the right fit. every cherokee will be slightly different. but a stock front shaft SHOULD work
 
If you install the SYE, you will need to use a double cardan driveshaft, and that will require changing the pinion angle so it points at the transfer case (or a couple of degrees below). You can use shims, or you can cut the leaf pads off the axle and reweld them (or install newer longer better pads).

Driveshaft length is impossible to predict. I have a RE 4.5 lift with an 8.25 axle and a hack-n-tap SYE, I am able to use a stock AW4 front driveshaft but it is stretched out pretty far. If I install a true SYE, I will need a longer driveshaft.
 
I have a little over 5" of lift on my rear, with AA SYE. I'm using my (1999) stock front driveshaft, and it's pulled out about 1" more than where it was when installed on the front.

I am running OME lift springs, with HD Relocation brackets, and 1" lift shackles set at 45 degrees, netting just over 5" of lift. I'm currently running a 2 degree shim, and its vibration free. You will certainly need shims, most find they need about 4 degrees, but it all depends on the combination that you are running. If you run longer shackles, or relocation brackets that will rotate your pinion angle more than just lift spring and stock shackles.

As for DS lengths:
XJ 87/88 2.5 Automatic 27.950 53003912
XJ 89/93 2.5 Automatic 27.970 53005540
XJ 89/01 2.5 Manual 25.310 53005541
XJ 89/01 4.0 Automatic 30.660 53005542
XJ 89/01 4.0 Manual 29.250 53005543
XJ 89/00 4.0 Manual 27.080 Export 53005544
XJ 89/00 4.0 Automatic 28.620 Export 53005545
XJ 87/88 4.0 Automatic Export 53005260 *
XJ 95/01 Diesel 27.640 Export 52098208

ZJ 1993 4.0 Automatic 30.530 52098341
ZJ 93/95 5.2 Automatic 32.870 w/o CV 53008427
ZJ 94/95 5.2 A500 30.625 w/o CV 52087805
ZJ 94/95 4.0 A500 w/o CV 52098790
ZJ 93/96 4.0 Manual 52098344
ZJ 93/96 4.0, 5.2 31.875 w/ 231, 242 52087805
ZJ 93/95 4.0 Manual 30.000 w/231 52088090
ZJ 93/96 5.2 33.000 w/ 231 53008427
ZJ 96/98 5.2, 5.9 31.250 w/ 249 & Model 30 52098379
ZJ 1996 5.2 Automatic 32.875 w/ 249 & Model 30 52098501
ZJ 96/98 4.0 33.000 w/ 242 52098707
ZJ 96/97 4.0 Automatic 31.250 52098850
ZJ 1996 5.2 Automatic 30.750 w/ 249 & Model 30 52099246
ZJ 96/98 4.0 33.500 w/ 249 52099260
 
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