AX15 SYE Help

[saburai]

Hi Gang!

I've got a '99 XJ with an AX15/231 combo with about 4.5" of lift.
Right now it has a T-case drop as installed by the PO. Presently, I have no issues with any drive line vibration - the truck is smooth at 80mph on the hi way.
I'd like to do a SYE to gain back the lost clearance and well, the functionality of the T-case drop just plain offends me.
However, I don't relish the thought of spending $500+ on some thing like this. I'm on NAXJA problem is there is too much info and too many opinions!
I trust the caliber of the advice here:bowdown:
I know that with an auto you can set it up so that you run two front shafts. I like that a lot. If I'm understanding correctly, this can't be done with my five speed. I still would like to get away as cheaply as possible and still have done it right...

Advice, info and opinions greatly appreciated:smiley_drive:

 

[SixLug]

You might still be able to run a front DS out of a ZJ, as Ive heard they are a bit longer than a front XJ. Also, the Ford Explorer (not sure what years, sorry) had a DS that work with the same hardware used to put a front DS in the back after a SYE. Im not sure if its any longer though. The thing about the AX is that I think you wont be able to just have one spare DS, bc the front is too short to fit out back if you needed. You still might be able to just get a front DS and have it lengthened, which will be a little money, but by doing the self made hack and tap deal, youll still be saving a lot of money.

Read this thread all the way through (if you havent already)
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=959008&highlight=slip+yoke+eliminator

Tons of info, and although no one STILL knows where the yoke needed came from on a stock vehicle, you can order the needed yoke through Tom Woods and a lot of other places mentioned in the thread. My opinion, start on the last page and work your way back.

Im actually about to get parts ready for the above modification today. Going to Pull-a-Part to grab a couple front DS's if I can. At $11 a piece, I cant complain.

 

[saburai]

Scrap the drop blocks?

O.K. I am thinking again - I know bad moveeepwall:

Do I need the T-case drop blocks? The truck is at 4.5" measured lift. After poking around on NAXJA for an hour, it *seems* that quite a few guys ire running about the same lift w/o any ill effects...

What is the general consensus on pulling the blocks and taking it for a spin?
AI don't want to waste my time if some one can give me a definitive answer...

 

[XJBANKER]

O.K. I am thinking again - I know bad moveeepwall:

Do I need the T-case drop blocks? The truck is at 4.5" measured lift. After poking around on NAXJA for an hour, it *seems* that quite a few guys ire running about the same lift w/o any ill effects...

What is the general consensus on pulling the blocks and taking it for a spin?
AI don't want to waste my time if some one can give me a definitive answer...

The real risk that you are running is if you flex the rear end is your shaft going to fall off? Depends on the situation that you are in.

I would look into the Hack -n- tap
http://www.rubiconexpress.com/JeepParts/Product.aspx?part=RE1801

or go with the whole kit for $300 I have been very happy with mine, but I have 8" so it is a must for me. http://www.rubiconexpress.com/JeepParts/Product.aspx?part=RE1811

 

[SixLug]

I dont see any harm in removing it to see if its a noticable difference. But, by removing it, if you decide to keep it that way, it will put more stress on the tcase than not having the drop on there. Now, if you decide to do the SYE (im going to do the one in the thread in my first response) I would remove the drop and have no worries.

 

[Root Moose]

Personally, if I was running a NV231 I'd get the JB Conversions super short SYE and never look back. So you have to save for a little while - the Jeep drives fine at the moment so don't mess with it till you can do it the way you want to on your terms (whatever that may be).

$0.02

 

[TooeleCherokee]

I have done the Hack and tap with the fore mentioned CV shaft and will be helping my friend with his here shortly.. you will probobly have to have a DL made or modified for your length else you will run into problems ...

as for taking the T case drop out.. your chances of it working are 50/50.. I ran mine without a drop for a while and never had the DL pull apart but the vibes at 70 MPH just about drove me insane .. then I have a friend with same year and setup as I have with 5 inches of lift and has no problems. :drool:

Either way if it is working now don't mess with it until you know exactly what you want.. 1 inch of clearance isn't going to kill you at the Tcase unless you are constantly hitting it..

 

[OverlandZJ]

Rich, you can check this Dana file for lengths, page 16 for Jeep. With this you should be able to figure out what your length is and possibly a replacment.

http://www2.dana.com/pdf/J321-CV.PDF

Another issue with a lift and no SYE (other than spline engagement) is u-joint operating angle. With the stock XJ slip yoke and 4"+ lift you can experience bind, some vendors sell a slip yoke for more clearance, which is nothing more than a YJ slip yoke. These are machined deeper to allow a greater angle due to their shorter length.

I have a few front shafts from a 4.0L/Auto combination if you need. Mine is about maxed out and i need one from a ZJ with 5.2 and 249 transfer as it's the longest.