I'm going to ask before I spend more time or replace more parts. With the front driveshaft connected, it's a pretty unpleasant experience to drive on highways and freeways. With the front driveshaft disconnected, my LJ is ridiculously pleasing to drive.
2005 LJ 264,000 Miles
OME 2.5" Springs
Rancho RS9000XL Shocks
JKS Track Bars
Metalcloack DA Control arms
Stock 3.73 Gears
31x10.5x15 BFG KO2s
This all started when the Jeep was essentially stock, with only H&R 1" springs. I'd been returning from a day trip and had driven about 300 miles when 10 miles from home the vibration suddenly started. After determining it wasn't the tires, I replaced the u joints, then had both driveshafts balanced, then replaced both driveshafts. Since this all started out of nowhere and not after a re-gear or event, I'm leaning towards something being worn, but I'm not sure what.
Front Driveshaft In
Very noticeable vibration from 62-70 MPH, accompanied by a noise similar to exhaust drone. There also appears to be a lesser vibration at all speeds when compared to running the rear driveshaft only.
With the front driveshaft connected, it's just a generally rough feeling but definitely noticeable in the gas pedal and steering wheel at highway speeds. If I rest my foot against the side of the brake pedal, I can also begin to feel a vibration at about 62 MPH. It's also not an on/off vibration like I'd expect from a u joint but more of a constant drone.
Front Driveshaft Out
Perfectly smooth and quiet at all speeds. It's actually really nice to drive.
Front Pinion/Driveshaft Angles
With such a small lift, the driveshaft angle is not extreme. I've kept the pinion angle above the driveshaft angle and there is no change in the vibration with a pinion angle of 0.00°, +0.2°, +0.5°, +1.0°. I see repeated references to getting as much caster as you can until there's a vibration and then backing off but did not find much about the actual pinion/driveshaft angles people are running. I don't know what the caster angle is but the steering still feels good so I could go higher but this has not helped so far.
Transfer Case
I've considered that there may be something worn in the transfer case but I'm not sure what. There is a very small amount of up/down and side to side play at the front yoke but no in/out play. Though the transfer case has always been serviced on schedule, all of the parts are original, including the chain. With the high mileage, I'm also not sure if a standard rebuild kit would be enough or if I'd be better off replacing the entire transfer case.
Front Yoke and Differential
The yoke does not have any play and the backlash in the gears appears normal.
2005 LJ 264,000 Miles
OME 2.5" Springs
Rancho RS9000XL Shocks
JKS Track Bars
Metalcloack DA Control arms
Stock 3.73 Gears
31x10.5x15 BFG KO2s
This all started when the Jeep was essentially stock, with only H&R 1" springs. I'd been returning from a day trip and had driven about 300 miles when 10 miles from home the vibration suddenly started. After determining it wasn't the tires, I replaced the u joints, then had both driveshafts balanced, then replaced both driveshafts. Since this all started out of nowhere and not after a re-gear or event, I'm leaning towards something being worn, but I'm not sure what.
Front Driveshaft In
Very noticeable vibration from 62-70 MPH, accompanied by a noise similar to exhaust drone. There also appears to be a lesser vibration at all speeds when compared to running the rear driveshaft only.
With the front driveshaft connected, it's just a generally rough feeling but definitely noticeable in the gas pedal and steering wheel at highway speeds. If I rest my foot against the side of the brake pedal, I can also begin to feel a vibration at about 62 MPH. It's also not an on/off vibration like I'd expect from a u joint but more of a constant drone.
Front Driveshaft Out
Perfectly smooth and quiet at all speeds. It's actually really nice to drive.
Front Pinion/Driveshaft Angles
With such a small lift, the driveshaft angle is not extreme. I've kept the pinion angle above the driveshaft angle and there is no change in the vibration with a pinion angle of 0.00°, +0.2°, +0.5°, +1.0°. I see repeated references to getting as much caster as you can until there's a vibration and then backing off but did not find much about the actual pinion/driveshaft angles people are running. I don't know what the caster angle is but the steering still feels good so I could go higher but this has not helped so far.
Transfer Case
I've considered that there may be something worn in the transfer case but I'm not sure what. There is a very small amount of up/down and side to side play at the front yoke but no in/out play. Though the transfer case has always been serviced on schedule, all of the parts are original, including the chain. With the high mileage, I'm also not sure if a standard rebuild kit would be enough or if I'd be better off replacing the entire transfer case.
Front Yoke and Differential
The yoke does not have any play and the backlash in the gears appears normal.
