Please share some advice.

[Tj's97Tj]

I recently took my jeep into the shop to get a quote for new suspension. The guy wants 3550 for suspension kit + labor, and 1400 for slipyoke eliminator kit + labor.

First question is do these numbers seem reasonable? I know the shop does good work and the kits he plans on ordering are from a local place that also makes great stuff, but im in college and trying to save as much money as I can.

Second question is if I replace my suspension is the slipyoke eliminator absolutely necessary or could I get away with not installing it.

Any advice would be great thanks.

 

[John Cooper]

More info is needed.

1. What kind of suspension
2. How much lift

 

[Tob]

Welcome to the forum.

Are you mechanically inclined and know how to turn your own wrenches on your TJ? If not, are you willing to learn? Do you have the space and tools to work on it, or know someone who would let you use theirs? It is very rewarding to learn how to work on your own Jeep.

Paying someone else to work on your Jeep, especially while in college, would be my last resort.

As for the slip yoke eliminator: when the vertical distance between the transfer case output and the axle input becomes too tall (either through a suspension lift or raising the transfer case), the driveshaft angle becomes too harsh, causing driveline vibrations. The typical solution is to replace the stock slip yoke and driveshaft with a flanged output on the transfer case and a double cardan driveshaft. This solution also requires adjustable upper rear control arms that are lengthened in order to rotate the axle housing so that its input is aligned with the double cardan driveshaft.

The other option when lifting the suspension is to lower the transfer case using spacers in order to lower the vertical distance between the transfer case output and axle input so that the above items are not needed. This option is cheap but undesirable because it takes away from any clearance gained with the lift, defeating the whole purpose* of it.

*Anyone lifting a Jeep with the sole purpose of “looking cool” can kick rocks for all I care

As mentioned above, giving us specifics on brand and model would help evaluate the quoted price because lift kits come in a range of quality and prices.

 

[deadbeat son]

I recently took my jeep into the shop to get a quote for new suspension. The guy wants 3550 for suspension kit + labor, and 1400 for slipyoke eliminator kit + labor.

First question is do these numbers seem reasonable? I know the shop does good work and the kits he plans on ordering are from a local place that also makes great stuff, but im in college and trying to save as much money as I can.

Second question is if I replace my suspension is the slipyoke eliminator absolutely necessary or could I get away with not installing it.

Any advice would be great thanks.

1. Cannot judge cost without knowing what the product vs labor breakdown is and what product you're receiving. If it's Rough Country, absolutely not. If Currie with shocks and an AntiRock, quite possibly so.
2. Maybe, maybe not. Cannot know whether or not you will require the SYE without knowing what suspension you're getting. Not necessary for a 2" budget boost, definitely necessary for an 8" long arm. I imagine you're planning to be somewhere in the middle...

 

[Duck Doctor]

SYE doesn’t cost anywhere close to $1,200 so you’re getting hosed.

 

[bucky]

Doesn’t a SYE require a new drive shaft? That would add to the cost. Seems like I can’t get any repairs done on a vehicle for less than $500 these days which is why I try to do repairs myself.

 

[steelhd]

SYE doesn’t cost anywhere close to $1,200 so you’re getting hosed.

Really? A Tom Woods drive shaft and a good SYE can cost around $600. Add shop markup and hours of shop labor at around $100/hour and that isn't hugely off with tax.

 

[06lj]

The OP's post indicates the prices he listed are before labor. If that is true then he needs to run from that shop as they are trying to rip him off. I just looked at Tom Woods and their SYE and driveshaft is $635.

@Tj's97Tj let us know what you want to do with your Jeep and we can definitely save you some headaches and probably save you a lot of money.

 

[RINC]

Go big or go home.

 

[deadbeat son]

The OP's post indicates the prices he listed are before labor. If that is true then he needs to run from that shop as they are trying to rip him off.

No it doesn’t, it’s ambiguous at best. It could easily be interpreted either way. For example, the shop is charging $1200 for SYE and labor, or the shop is charging $1200 plus labor for the SYE.