How much lift before you need a SYE and CV

[97XJ_95YJ]

I know this really depends on your Jeep and everyone has found different needs for their Jeep, but generally speaking, how much lift can you get before you need a SYE and CV on a YJ? I've heard anywhere between 3" - 4.5"

[subculturenm]

Don't mean to hijack, but along those same lines . . .

Let's say that a certain YJ is built to clear 31s, and the owner wants to maximize ground clearance. The lift consists of a 1" BL, and 1" suspension - is it possible to use a SYE so a high-clearance belly skid could be installed?

I wanted to add this to the original question to cover both ends of the spectrum. In other words, 1) when do you absolutely need one, and 2) can you install one if you really don't need it?

[love24wheel]

IMHO, If you lift your vehicle more than about 1.5" you might as well put one on. Its stronger than the standard slip yoke, and allows for better clearance if you decide on a belly up..
Scott

[Rock WoRM]

I guess we're talking about your 95 YJ, here. IMHO, anything over a 2.5" lift has the potential of needing an SYE.

WoRM :bsod:

[boomhower]

I just installed my RE 4" lift, and I need a SYE/CVDS. My advice is to plan on it before you do the lift. I didn't. Now I'm pissed. Another $500 into the Jeep fund...

I could probably drive on it and MAYBE lightly wheel it for the time being, but my Jeep is specifically for wheeling only. I have another vehicle that I drive every day.

Check out my Jeep cardomain photos, page 2, for my driveline photos after a 1" TC drop and 4* shims. Didn't exactly do the job. Ordering my SYE/CVDS soon.

[zman]

Answer these questions.

Is your jeep lifted 2 or more inches?
Do you plan on keeping the jeep for a long time?

If you answered yes to all, just spend the $500 now and get it over with.

zman

[subculturenm]

-=- originally posted by zman -=-
Answer these questions.

Is your jeep lifted 2 or more inches?
Do you plan on keeping the jeep for a long time?

If you answered yes to all, just spend the $500 now and get it over with.

zman

What if the answer to #1 is "no" but the answer to #2 is definitely "yes"? I'd like to get more clearance on my wife's YJ, and was thinking about a high-clearance belly skid and SYE, but she's only got about an inch of suspension lift (the other inch is a body lift, and TJ flares help too.)

[b0mb]

then no SYE needed...i had 4" lift w/ t-case drop and no SYE and i used stock DS. i went through ujoints once a year, but then bought some premium ones and hadn't had any problems. you should be fine. if the vibration ends up being unbarable, then get the SYE and new CV DS. no need to spend the money unless you need to.

[subculturenm]

-=- originally posted by b0mb -=-
then no SYE needed...i had 4" lift w/ t-case drop and no SYE and i used stock DS. i went through ujoints once a year, but then bought some premium ones and hadn't had any problems. you should be fine. if the vibration ends up being unbarable, then get the SYE and new CV DS. no need to spend the money unless you need to.

That's kinda what I was thinking. When the time comes, if money allows, I'd prefer to install a SYE as well, but we'll have to see - it may not be necessary at all.

[yj30]

Just put in a 3.5" lift along with 3/8" shackles, got 1" motor mount blocks and tcase lowering with stock drive shaft, no readily noticeable vibes.

[zman]

-=- originally posted by yj30 -=-
Just put in a 3.5" lift along with 3/8" shackles, got 1" motor mount blocks and tcase lowering with stock drive shaft, no readily noticeable vibes.

I was running something similar to that. Jeep ran fine for a year. Went to Moab and did a real steep decent. I could here the u-joints bind on the driveshaft. This happened becasue all the weight of the vehicle got shifted forward and the rear would actually lift. Becasue I was going down a steep hill real slow I could identify the problem. Something I never heard my jeep when doing the local trails. At that point in my life I knew I was addictied to 4-wheeling so I decided to fix it with a SYE in the driveway vs doing a future trail repair or end up trashing my t-case.

subculture
What if the answer to #1 is "no" but the answer to #2 is definitely "yes"? I'd like to get more clearance on my wife's YJ, and was thinking about a high-clearance belly skid and SYE, but she's only got about an inch of suspension lift (the other inch is a body lift, and TJ flares help too.)

Thats one of those things that I would have to see, but you know a SYE will work, but I can also see the stock setup work if its done right.

zman