I've been considering getting a suspension lift for my YJ. However, I don't want to also have to spend a bunch of money and hassle trying to get rid of driveline vibration and snapped U joints. As I understand, 2" is about as much as I want to try, but then there are some nice 2.5" kits at quadratec...

Thoughts?

I just ordered the rubicon 4.5 extreme duty lift. Yeah its spendy but not much more than the 2.5 inch lift and a few hunderd bucks more than the standard RE lifts. But if you look at what you get its well worth it. For me I hate my current shackles, they're huge like 8 inches. So the RE lift comes with shackles, bonus! Comes with everything you need, brake lines, drop pitman arm, t-case lowering kit, sway bar dico. the list is long.

I looked at other lifts that seemed cheeper but they were all missing these components, and after adding them on, the price was right up there with the RE lift.

I didnt need a 4.5 inch lift, I only run 32's and already have a 1 inch body lift. But what the hell. When these tires need replacing im going up to 33's and maybe someday I might go to 35's never know. But I know my lift can handle it.

I will probably need to get a sye kit too, but i'll cross that road when i get there. When I put this lift on my jeep and it turns out i need the sye kit then I'll park it and save some more cash. My wife loves this jeep...

I'm against the whole "cheep but quality" thinking. If you're short cash for a good lift and the parts that go along with it, take the money you got now and stash it in a "jeep jar". I throw quarters pennies, ones, tens what ever in mine. It can build up quick.

You probably already know, I just put on a mix and match 2.5 suspension lift. I used Pro Comp springs, Rancho RSX shocks, and poly bushings. I LOVE IT. I didn't shim the axle or drop the t-case, and I have no new vibration, just a better ride on and off road and better approach angle. I took it wheelin the day after install and did some stuff I couldn't do before. I don't think a 2.5 will give you any trouble, depending on how much shackle lift you have. I think once you start getting into lifts over 3" you start having to do t-case drops and axle shims. Good luck brother. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

That's just it...I don't want to have to use the t-case lowering kit. Right now I got all the tire clearance I need. I got a 4 banger so 31s are my top size unless I change gears...I already have trouble keeping up to highway speed on hills.

But the point of raising with suspension would be to get my frame and t-case shield up and out of the way. When I have gotten stuck it has either been high centered on the axle, which I can't fix, or in the t-case shield. So I don't want to have to lower that thing because it sort of nullifies the point of the lift.

I also don't want to have to muck with the driveline too much but I don't want vibration. This isn't a question of money because I got plenty (sometimes it's nice to be single) but a question of effectiveness and need. I don't need a 4+ lift. I want to lift just enough to get a couple extra inches between the ground and the frame without having to do a bunch more serious alterations to the vehicle.

On the other hand, a soa might be a better option for me? I do get stuck on the bolts for the leaf springs every once in a while...that might stop some axle stickage. Some friends of mine seem to think it's really easy and inexpensive but I think maybe it might be a bit different for the YJ. Who done this?

soa is nice but by no means is it any cheaper if done right

google SOA or search on here theres alot more invovled than you think ...personally i like the set up if done properly

but understand when you start messing with driveline angles and steering you wanna make sure you know what your doing and do it right <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

SOA is the way to go for maximum frame and suspension components ground clearance, but, you said you don't want to go more than 2.5". SOA would be about a minimum of 5". What makes it expensive is the cost of a good SYE and custom double cardan driveshaft. A Jeep lifted 5" on 31's' looks silly IMO. If money is not an issue I'd go with the 2.5" RE extreme. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Noah, you might want to look into a "belly-tuck" if your getting high-centered on the cross-member. To get your u-bolts out-of-the-way, reverse them, so the bolts are sticking up above the axles.

If you're happy with 31" tires, and, you like to keep your money in your own pocket, you're not a canidate for the spring-over-axle suspension lift.

My friend put a Tuff Country 2" suspension on his 91 4 banger YJ He runs 31 inch tires with lots of clearance, didn't have to drop the transfer case and has no drive shaft vibes. He is currently running 4.56 gears. A nice setup and rides nicely too.

Noah,

Mine is a CJ, but....

I have a 4" suspension lift and a 2' body lift. I run 35" BFG M-T tires. 4.56 gears and lockers both ends. I agree that dropping the t-case defeats the purpose (and can give front driveline problems). So when I got a little rear driveline vibration after changing from my old 2" suspension lift to the new 4" suspension lift, I just had a CV joint installed on the front end of my rear driveshaft. That stopped the vibration.

BTW, the main cure for high-centering on axles is bigger tires. If you're scraping the spring U-bolts and bending them, install a set of Tomken Machine U-bolt skid plates -- I've got them all around and they work great. Don't forget to trim off any extra length on the bolts after you install the plates.

Thanks guys. Sounds like Getting a susp lift is the way to go or just stay with what I got. For now though it will be a while before I get anything more done on the jeep. Just got back a few hours ago from the trail where I got hurt good. Friend pulled a tree down trying to winch himself out of a hole and it hit me. My shoulder is killing me and the headache is starting to set in...probably in for a long night and probably a while before I turn a wrench.