Transfer case drop with 4 inch lift

[Nfrancic]

Hi - I have a 2004 Sport and am in the process of installing a 4” Terflex lift with adjustable control arms. The front end is done. I moved on to the 1” transfer case drop kit. I installed the spacers in the skid plate and then lowered the under hoist jack from the transmission (it’s on a 2-post lift) , but the tranny/transfer case barely drops down. There’s probably 1” gap before I’d be able to secure the 4 bolts that mount the transmission to the skid plate. Basically it doesn’t appear that the transfer case is lowering at all. What am I missing? Is there anything else I have to removed on the tranny/transfer case to allow it to drop?

BTW - I’ll also be installing a SYE and new driveshaft…just haven’t got that far yet. I appreciate any guidance!

 

[AndyG]

Are the drive shafts installed? Something about has to binding to keep it from dropping- go easy - it will drop once there is no resistance-

 

[Nfrancic]

The drive shafts are both off.

 

[AndyG]

Can you gently lift up on the front of the engine- Just keep the thing supported As you do this so it doesn’t drop all at once and damage the motor mounts- Also make sure the transfer case and linkage is not binding it- And as you’re doing this you might as well be thinking about having to adjust the linkage or go to the transfer case shift cable Savvy sells on Amazon if you really want a nice set up and no drama.

If its a manual make sure the shifter isn’t binding on the tub edge- Something has to be going on

 

[Nfrancic]

Will check all that out. Appreciate the help!

 

[AndyG]

Will check all that out. Appreciate the help!

Keep us posted and watch for the exhaust binding also

 

[LONGJP2]

@Nfrancic
Is the fan caught on the shroud?
It will rise as the trans goes down.
Also, are the trans.bolts lined up with the skid plate holes?

 

[Nfrancic]

All good now. A little lift on the front of the engine did the trick and shook things loose. Thanks @AndyG. Although after more research, I don’t think the 1” transfer case drop is necessary since I’m doing the SYE and have adjustable rear control arms. I may go without it, set my angle, and hope there’s no vibration. The 1” drop just seemed like so much clearance loss.

As a new Jeep guy, this forum is so helpful and the people are awesome. Thanks!

 

[AndyG]

All good now. A little lift on the front of the engine did the trick and shook things loose. Thanks @AndyG. Although after more research, I don’t think the 1” transfer case drop is necessary since I’m doing the SYE and have adjustable rear control arms. I may go without it, set my angle, and hope there’s no vibration. The 1” drop just seemed like so much clearance loss.

As a new Jeep guy, this forum is so helpful and the people are awesome. Thanks!

Everything I know I learned here. The flatter driveline typically helps you but the compromise is a loss of clearance- Your hands on enough that you’re going to figure it all out and you understand already that as you do this it’s all going to have to be dialed in- It would be great to bolt everything on and drive down the road and it just feels marvelous most of the time you have to tweak the pinion angle, caster and recenter the axles, set the toe and then still chase a few things, like a shock rubbing the exhaust.

Stay on here- Even if I can’t help I’ll bump a thread to keep it alive. I truly believe the best TJ knowledge you’ll find is on this forum.