New Driveshaft with SYE, Adj Control Arms, Shocks, please help educate me.

[DennisTJ]

So after much research etc... I believe I'm ready to finally plan out my lift. Some of the last things I need to better understand are the drive shaft length and control arm options.

From much reading etc.. I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to go with a lift like OME from DPG offroad, possibly Rustys, Rubicon Expresses or something similar. Something in the range of 2 to 3.5".  So it has come to my attention that to order a drive shaft I need to first install the lift and SYE. Have I come to the correct conclusion? Then I can measure for a drive shaft. Which means downtime or I drive in 4wh hi for a few days while I wait for the driveshaft to arrive. Surely someone has installed a 3" lift before and w/ an SYE. It's purely a geometry problem and there must be a solution for this combination that exists.

In regards to control arms at a minimum I'm going to need Rear Upper Adjustable to correct the pinion angle. Optionally I would look for a kit that offer fixed length CA's to place the axles back to the proper location (wheelbase). Ideally Adj CA F/R Upper and Lower w/ flex joints (johnny joints)

Now for shocks. Most kits seem to come with Hydro mono tube shocks. Some offer Twin Tube. Other than some brands cost a lot more than each other I'm not sure why I would choose Hydro Mono vs Twin tube or Nitro shocks any assistance in this area?

Thanks in advance
Dennis

 

[bigdaddymack51]

You can buy a driveshaft from Quadratec for a lift with your kit at the same time. They already have an idea what length your going to need. Its probably not as perfect as measuring after the install , but its got to be close as they sell them and I know people that have them bought that way. As for shocks, I prefer to run Hydro shocks as I believe the charged shocks (nitro) add to compression ratios and make for a jarring type ride on the street.  If you dent a Mono tube it usually is scrap but they dissipate heat better.  The twin tube can take a hit a keep functioning  .  What type of ride do you have ? If 3" is all youll ever do than any adj arm is going to work. The beefier the better. If you going to go for bigger tires ,lift and gears latter , Id wait and get the arms after you decide where your going with your Jeep.  All of the above is just my opinion !    FjR68

 

[sedge1080]

How much Lift?  And I take it this is for a TJ?

Control arms:  Lots of kits come with coils/shocks and LCA's.  No uppers.  With easy wheeling and 3-4" lift you can get away with this.  For moderate wheeling you should get upper control arms. This will also help you adjust the pinion angle in the rear and the caster for the front.  These are not that critical for 3-4" of lift, much more you will need both.  And remember just because you can, doesn't mean you should. 

SYE:  You can get away without one with 3-4" of lift or less, but again, not recommended.  You would need to drop the T-case and this would take away from ground clearance.  Less tan 2" you will be ok.  Buy a SYE kit and some come with a rear DS. 

DS: You can run a stock front for a while, not upgrade until you need it or have the funds to upgrade to prevent trail brakes in the future.  Rear you "should" measure yoke to yoke and make sure what you get is actually what you need.  A lot of companies have them pre-made, this is good, just hope they built them for how your jeep is set up.  If you have one made go with Carolina or Tom Woods.  Well worth the money, do it right the first time, not the second.

Shocks:  read the above post from Bigdaddymack51

 

[DennisTJ]

I have an '03 TJ that is on 31's at the moment. The largest lift I would go for is 3.5" I'd like to stay closer to 3" .

I have no plans to go bigger than that for tire size. I'm looking to do some light to moderate trails. I plan to keep the TJ as much a DD and something I can have a modest amount of fun with off road. If I really enjoy it with the TJ and I want to go bigger I'll most likely build another vehicle for trail use only.  I really plan on spending as much time to planning the lift so it's done correctly the first time for my needs.

Shocks: Thanks for the info. So either way a twin or mono tube would suit my needs. From the description it does sound as though a mono would provide a better ride.

DS: I've heard Adams makes a decent product as well and it also appears the proper way to go is to measure after the SYE is installed. I'll plan accordingly.

Control Arms: So a kit with proper extended lower control arms would be acceptable to maintain wheel base and put the axles in the correct location. I don't necessarily need adj uppers yet.  If I'm budgeting for full adjustable upper and lowers any reason I shouldn't ?

Thanks
in advance

 

[cjshloman]

So you know, I have a '98 tj, 3" BDS kit, tc drop, stock arms no sye run 33" tires with no driveline probs at all.  I also don't wheel it, just dd it and plow with it.  you can always add arms and stuff later.

 

[sedge1080]

I have no plans to go bigger than that for tire size. I'm looking to do some light to moderate trails.

I said that once.......

Adams may make a good DS, not sure.  But what I do know is Tom Woods has a GREAT warranty and is great to deal with. 

 

[kakirubi]

Do yourself a favor and get adjustable arms.