I just installed a 2 inch rubicon express BB and was wondering how much I needed to drop the transfer case to fix it? I have a 5 speed and 4.0. Thanks.
Vibrations when accelerating after a two inch lift install
- Thread starter 02GreenTJ
- Start date
No one can tell you for sure how much you need to drop the transfer case, you just need to experiment.
Try lowering it 1/2" with washers (and longer bolts). If that doesn't work, go to 3/4", then 1".
Take it for a drive each time after installing the washers until you get it to the point where it doesn't vibrate.
If you want to do it one and done, you could just lower it 1" and that will probably be more than enough. But why have your transfer case hanging lower than it needs to be?
Unfortunately there is no guide for this, as it can indeed vary from vehicle to vehicle.
Try lowering it 1/2" with washers (and longer bolts). If that doesn't work, go to 3/4", then 1".
Take it for a drive each time after installing the washers until you get it to the point where it doesn't vibrate.
If you want to do it one and done, you could just lower it 1" and that will probably be more than enough. But why have your transfer case hanging lower than it needs to be?
Unfortunately there is no guide for this, as it can indeed vary from vehicle to vehicle.
OP
Ok thanks Chris, I definitely won't take the shortcut on this because the skid hangs low enough as it is thanks!
Kelly Butler
Member
I thought if you installed a 2 inch or less lift that you did not have to worry about that? I just had a 2 inch lift installed and the vibration is horrible. It wasn't there before the lift was installed. Any ideas? My mechanic thinks it's my clutch because it's clicking but it did not do it before the lift kit was installed. help needed by the inexperience Jeep chick
A 2" lift definitely can cause vibrations Kelly, it happened to me many years ago. For a 2", I found that stacking enough washers between the tcase skidplate and frame around each of the six washers to drop it 5/8" stopped the vibrations. You actually need something like 7/8" worth of washers around each bolt to drop it 5/8" due to the washers sitting in a recess, at least my '97 TJ had a recess there. For 2002 and older TJs you can reuse the same 6 bolts. For 2003 and newer that went to shorter metric bolts you'll need the next longer size bolts. Take one of them out and match it to the correct size at your local hardware store. Make sure it has the proper 8.8 or 10.9 metric strength rating.
2" can cause vibrations as you both have experienced. The two least expensive and easiest options are to lower the skid or a motor mount lift. I chose the mml since the skid hangs low enough as is.
fljeeper
TJ Enthusiast
If you have a Dana 44 rear axle the vibrations will be worse because the pinion is longer than on the Dana 35. This creates a more severe driveshaft angle. Dropping the skid is a short term solution. You will need to do a SYE, DC driveshaft, and adjustable control arms. I just completed all of this on my '98 Sport and I now have no drivetrain vibrations. Good luck.
That's over kill for a 2" lift. Why spend over a $1,000 when an $80 motor mount spacer lift is more than enough to permanently solve the problem.
@Kelly Butler - You don't NEED anything other than a MML.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TTZF52/?tag=wranglerorg-20
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The JKS blocks are only 75, if your current mounts are in good shape. I actually saw some on EBay from a small company that were only 50.
I am guessing if someone is installing a budget boost, money is a factor.
If the clutch was fine before it's fine now.
The clicking is most likely a worn u-joint that has exposed itself due to the increased driveline angle after the lift.
Kelly Butler
Member
Hahaha. See my post just above yours.
Kelly Butler
Member
Oops, so I talked to my mechanic today and they are going to be putting some washers in to adjust the driveshaft alignment and she if that takes away the vibs.
That will do it. You just need to make sure the skid ends up being 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch lower.
Joeker67
Member
So I have the same vibration, I have done everything except the SYE, I have read it’s not needed for the Unlimited but still have it.
Fljeeper, did you do a right up?
That depends on a variety of factors. For instance, adding a belly-up skid is the equivalent of adding an extra 3-4" of suspension lift in terms of driveline angles.
Kelly Butler
Member
I am going to call old old emu tomorrow and see what they have to say about the 2 inch lift. Its the heavy duty one so I'm wondering if it's more than 2 inchs..
That lift commonly nets 2.5” because you dont’ have much extra weight like an aftermarket bumper, winch, larger spare, etc...When I put the same lift on I netted 2 3/4 up front and 3 1/8 in the rear. It settled a bit but I still got vibes. A TCase drop solved it till I could get a 1” MML. I’d say hands down the reason you have vibes is the driveline angle and to simply use some washers on each of the six TCase mounting bolts to lower it and fix that angle.
Kelly Butler
Member
No, it would raise the motor and thereby tilt the transmission and TCase so that the driveshaft is not coming out of your TCase at such a steep angle, doing exactly what you need, decreasing the angle of your driveshaft. I’d say the mechanic doesn’t have a clue what he’s talking about.
Many of us have done this successfully. In fact, I don’t know anyone who did it who didn’t get rid of their vibes. It works up to about 3” of lift on a TJ. Above that and you need to do an SYE and DC to solve it (or an extreme TCase drop!)
What makes a MML better than a TCase drop is it is more aesthetically pleasing and it gives you more clearance