Lift Issues

[VaBeachMike]

Installed a RE Street Ride 3.5 Inch lift on my 2000XJ. It was a PIA to install, bolts breaking everywhere! The kit included the new rear leaf springs and shocks. While installing I installed new U-Joints on the read drive shaft. The spring really set the thing up in the air. I now have a vibration in the rear drive train. The angle on the front u joint seems extreme. Looking for soluitions or suggestions. I guess the next thing I need to do is use some degree shims and see if I can change the angle. Any suggestions on what might be causing or correcting the problem?? Thanks for the help in advance. Mike :doh:

 

[Cottontail]

Yep. Sounds like your pinion angle is wrong. Shim it up and try it out.

 

[iluv83vettes]

Do you have a SYE or a t-case drop?

 

[Xhavier_5478]

Do you have a SYE or a t-case drop?

If you don't have an SYE it won't matter to shim it..

Read through this and you should have a better understanding of what is going on.. http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/PR-shaft/index2.html

 

[VaBeachMike]

I have the 1 inch drop that RE sells for the transfer case. Going to order a couple different degree shims and give it a try. Not sure what angle to start with. Wanna stay away from SYE, thats why i only went 3.5 inches. I do mostly all my driving on the road, might go wheeling a couple times a year!

 

[Cottontail]

As Xhavier said, without an SYE there is no reason to shim it. I would try taking out the t-cast drop and seeing what that does. I ran at 3.5 on an RE kit without the drop and it was fine.

 

[Tim_MN]

Low Pinion 2000-01 are more likely to have drive line vibrations after lifting. Shimming the rear axle may help reduce the vibrations, but the real cure is to install an SYE.

 

[SDMike]

You didn't tighten the rear spring bolts until after you lowered it and the full weight was on the ground did you?

Drive it for a few days, then loosen the bolts and see if it drops. I know mine did.

 

[Tony_SS]

You'll need an SYE, even more so on an 00. Alot of times the RE 3.5 will net you 4.5 too.

 

[lazyxj]

. Wanna stay away from SYE, thats why i only went 3.5 inches. I do mostly all my driving on the road, might go wheeling a couple times a year! QUOTE]

With 97+XJs, 3-1/2' lift is a lot. You should be able to get it the vibs to an acceptable level with a 1" TC drop and a rear axle shim. To really get rid of it, a SYE and a new driveshaft is the answer.
.
If you don't really plan on wheeling it, why lift it so high? Beside the rear problem, at 3-1/2", the front control arm angles are getting steep and the ride and handling are diminished.
You would be amaze what a completely stock XJ can do in capable hands.

 

[workman13]

You didn't tighten the rear spring bolts until after you lowered it and the full weight was on the ground did you?

Drive it for a few days, then loosen the bolts and see if it drops. I know mine did.

I just installed a 3" lift on my cherokee and took it for a little cruise after to see how it did. Kept hearing a clunking noise when accelerating, didn't realize they u bolts would be so loose after sitting it down. All of the u bolts were loose on and could be turned by finger. I tightened them down and plan on doing it again this weekend.

What do you mean see if it drops after you loosed the bolts? I have a slight vibe at 35 and 70 but nothing much. I plan on getting a tcase drop to resolve it.

 

[SDMike]

I meant loosen the bolts at the front and rear of the springs, where the springs attach to the body. Leave the U-bolts tight.

loosen them, bounce it around some, then re-tighten. There is a torque spec on them, but I don't remember it off hand.

Vibe is probably driveshaft pinion angle, lots of articles on shimming it here. Do a search, get some shims and go at it. easy enough to do yourself.