SYE with 2.5" lift

[k1n3k]

I'm thinking about makin' some changes to my heep. right now its got some 2.5" lift springs on it, AND it still has the 1" belly pan spacers on it from when I bought it with the stock shovel. Now, I'm thinking about getting rid of the belly pan spacers, a new skid plate and some new control arms rather than the stock stamped steel ones.
I'm reading that with a 2.5" lift a SYE and double cardan shaft isn't required. I can set the pinion angle to be parallel to the t-case with the adjustable arms, so not a concern there.

I do plan on adding highlines and 35's in the future and sticking with the 2.5" lift. I have my tent on top and its a pain to reach as is, hence why I'm not doing the normal 4+1.25 lift. 2" of increased height is enough, I don't want it 5" taller than it is now.

Is there any actual benefit to adding a SYE and double cardan with 2.5" of a lift, or is it really of no actual benefit without more lift? This rig isn't a hardcore crawler by any means, its my camp rig and I'm going for bigger meats for the footprint/lower ground pressure more than anything for snow. Only thing I could think of for the SYE being beneficial is it should be a bit stronger having less angle on the joints, but I'm not pushing it that hard yet anyway.

 

[MountaineerTom]

Do you have a regular TJ or the longer Unlimited?

If your new skid plate is a raised (higher than the OEM) skid plate, then you're likely going to need the SYE and double cardan. I have an '06 Unlimited with a 2.5 inch lift and 1.25 inch body lift.. I added a raised Under Cover Fabworks skid and motor mount lift. I tried using adjustable control arms first to remove some vibrations I was having. I got it better but the vibes were not removed completely. Then I installed an Advance Adapters SYE and Tom Woods double cardan driveshaft. After a small amount of adjusting the rear axle, it drove fine with no vibes.

 

[k1n3k]

Its the SWB.

Do you have a regular TJ or the longer Unlimited?

If your new skid plate is a raised (higher than the OEM) skid plate, then you're likely going to need the SYE and double cardan. I have an '06 Unlimited with a 2.5 inch lift and 1.25 inch body lift.. I added a raised Under Cover Fabworks skid and motor mount lift. I tried using adjustable control arms first to remove some vibrations I was having. I got it better but the vibes were not removed completely. Then I installed an Advance Adapters SYE and Tom Woods double cardan driveshaft. After a small amount of adjusting the rear axle, it drove fine with no vibes.

Its the regular TJ Sport.

That is a thought though... Add a SYE/ double cardan, then get a raised belly pan instead of a stock height one...
Might go that route instead then. More clearance and if I ever decide on more tire later on with an axle upgrade, its already done. That's an easy justification.

 

[Stretch97]

Do you have a regular TJ or the longer Unlimited?

If your new skid plate is a raised (higher than the OEM) skid plate, then you're likely going to need the SYE and double cardan. I have an '06 Unlimited with a 2.5 inch lift and 1.25 inch body lift.. I added a raised Under Cover Fabworks skid and motor mount lift. I tried using adjustable control arms first to remove some vibrations I was having. I got it better but the vibes were not removed completely. Then I installed an Advance Adapters SYE and Tom Woods double cardan driveshaft. After a small amount of adjusting the rear axle, it drove fine with no vibes.

I nearly have the same exact setup. The PO had the skid dropped so I deleted it. I want to tummy tuck, but as you are saying it seems like you really do need the SYE, double cardan and adjustable rear control arms to get it right. At least we can get away with more on the LJ with our setups

 

[Strizzo]

I just did the sye on mine, 2.5” skyjacker coils, only thing left of the old kit is the lower control arms and rear track bar bracket, and their days are numbered.

One thing to keep in mind is you might need an adjustable rear trackbar or an angled bracket to keep your trackbar from hitting the gas tank skid after you correct the pinion angle with the sye.

If you’re planning on doing any moderate to hard trails, the added belly clearance will be helpful.