Hey Guys. I just got a new SYE and was really pumped until I started comparing it with other SYE shafts in the shop. This new one is missing the hole where the drive sprocket ride. This is the hole on the thickest part of the shaft where the drive sprocket bears. Sorry for the big pic, but this will give you an idea of what hole.


I called the manufacturer and they said this oil gallery is not needed. I'm a bit concerned about the drive sprocket getting lubed when in 2wd and need a bit of advice. Has anyone seen a SYE shaft with this hole missing before? Any thoughts? Thanks!
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I checked around and got some good advice regarding the hole. Early on the NP231 didn't have the hole. But later on Jeep put on their to better lube the gear as it spins around the shaft. So I called the mfr and they said their design requires no hole and they stand by it. So I called back the company who sold it to me and he is going to let me trade up to a Rubicon Express 1811 one. The RE1811 has the hole. I wonder who makes it for them. The main thing is it has a hole for lubrication like the AA SYE that I'm replacing. Not all SYE kits are equal!

I've heard good reviews on the RE SYE. Still have to find a place up here that won't leave my wallet crying, and feeling violated. Any special tricks to swapping out these things??

4 Wheel Supply where I bought mine had two types, hole and no hole. Since I wanted a SYE with the hole so bad after I got it, I quized the sales rep Shane Archer all about it. An awesome guy, great customer service. He called the manufacturer and places all around to get me the low down. I asked around too and one guy confirm he had a no hole SYE brand.

So there is basically two kinds of kits at different pricing levels. Omix-Ada part # 18676.60 with nole oil hole runs $180 shipped to your door. Then there is the Rubicon Express part # RE1811 for $295 with the oil hole. If your OK with no hole Omix-ada will back it up and in my case it saved me $115. I figured all SYE's were the same. However, If you want a hole because you've always seen one like me your gonna spend the more money. Thankfully Shane let me trade up and the deal was good. All the JB, AA, & RE brands I've seen run for $300 on up.

Doing the job is really not too tough. I use a factory service manual and that helps. There is also few website I've referenced that'll help too.
http://www.jbconversions.com/pages/products/np231/np231j_std_sye.html
http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/xfer/np231hd03/
http://www.jeepin.com/features/sye/jbsye.shtml

To do the job a good sized pair of lock ring plier is needed to swap the syncro onto the new shaft. I always remove the transfer case to do the SYE install. That way I can go through the entire case, install new seals and inspect all the parts. Separating the tail cone and then case apart can be a PITA. The last one I got someone used some super strong RTV. Short summary of the install goes like this:
Remove front & rear yokes
Remove tail cone
Remove oil pickup tube from oil pump
Remove lock ring and oil pump
Remove rear half of case and magnet
Remove chain and shafts
Swap syncro's onto SYE shaft
Reverse order and remember to clean and install your magnet. You'll also have to spend $$$ on a new double-cardan (CV) type driveshaft.
Just Empty Every Pocket...... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

I figured on the double cardan, its no real worry. I'm going to follow suit and get the RE. Thanks for the insight. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />