I'm installing a 2.5 inch lift

[Charleswb]

I’m installing a 2.5 inch rc lift on the 99 jeep tj sport x and I really do not want to have to install a sye kit. How bad would it be if I didn’t and what other options are there that are less expensive.

 

[P man]

Welcome to the forum Charles

I would install the kit and drive it to see if you have vibrations. If you don't then you are good to go. If you do then the cheapest/easiest route is a transmission skid plate drop. This not only looks awful but kills ground clearance.

I think you can get by without an SYE but nobody can say for sure until the lift is installed and you drive it

 

[Danarch]

^^what @P man said, install the lift and see what happens. I am thinking at 2.5” the SYE isn’t required, but I may be wrong.

 

[GPK03X]

A 1” motor mount lift is a good option to eliminate vibes.

 

[CreepinDeth]

I just installed a 2.5” Rancho lift

Zero issues, but I did also install Adj upper control arms

 

[TheBoogieman]

If you do then the cheapest/easiest route is a transmission skid plate drop. This not only looks awful but kills ground clearance.

Not too much.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

You're border line with the 2 1/2" lift, next would be 1" motor mounts if you have any vibes. A SYE isn't that big a deal really, $250 and a days work under the jeep. There is a way to slot the rear control arm mounts and get a bit of a angle correction that way, it worked for me but I ended up doing the SYE just to get the stress off the rear shaft.

 

[matkal]

You're border line with the 2 1/2" lift, next would be 1" motor mounts if you have any vibes. A SYE isn't that big a deal really, $250 and a days work under the jeep. There is a way to slot the rear control arm mounts and get a bit of a angle correction that way, it worked for me but I ended up doing the SYE just to get the stress off the rear shaft.

Could you elaborate? Link? Thanks

 

[UKTJ]

I’m installing a 2.5 inch rc lift on the 99 jeep tj sport x and I really do not want to have to install a sye kit. How bad would it be if I didn’t and what other options are there that are less expensive.

I guess it depends what you use / plan to use your TJ for.

I have about 2" of spring lift, I also have a 1" motor mount lift which may have helped me avoid any vibration issues. But with my current 33" tyres I still tend to find that more often than not it is that skid that causes me problems. Personally i am planning on installing an SYE so I can look to get the skid up higher, rather than drop it.

But if you do not plan to go off road much or will just be going on gravel traps break over will be less of an issue, so you could lower the skid a little as stated above.

...A SYE isn't that big a deal really, $250 and a days work under the jeep...

Factually correct, but a bit misleading I think as it would surely also require a new driveshaft to go with that SYE.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

I think as it would surely also require a new driveshaft to go with that SYE

It would, I didn't think I needed to add that as it a given when you install the SYE, they usually come in the kit

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

Could you elaborate? Link? Thanks

Look in the service manual. it discuses it there in the drive train section

 

[UKTJ]

It would, I didn't think I needed to add that as it a given when you install the SYE, they usually come in the kit

It was the reference to $250 that made me think it would not be clear to the OP; unless I am missing something I don't think you can buy a kit with an SYE and a driveshaft for $250.

 

[Danarch]

It was the reference to $250 that made me think it would not be clear to the OP; unless I am missing something I don't think you can buy a kit with an SYE and a driveshaft for $250.

If you can I don’t think I would trust it.

 

[JustDandee]

At 2.5“ I had a hint vibration. I threw some extra weight in the back to lower/sag the rear end a tad and it went away. I drove it that way until I added the larger tires/weight to the spare location all has worked well in that regards.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

I bought my SYE from Rusty’s and it came with a Tom Woods drive shaft for $258 free shipping last year about this time

 

[P man]

I bought my SYE from Rusty’s and it came with a Tom Woods drive shaft for $258 free shipping last year about this time

Are you saying you paid $258 for an sye and a new driveshaft?

 

[IronVarmint]

^^what @P man said, install the lift and see what happens. I am thinking at 2.5” the SYE isn’t required, but I may be wrong.

SYE was definitely needed on after installing 2.5" RC springs. I drove it 2 days with enough vibration to rip out the entire drivetrain.