96/97? SYE question

[staticrevolution]

I have a 96 XJ with a RE 3.5 inch lift and I am considering a SYE kit. RE wants to sell me the kit with a new output shaft and tailhousing? My jeep was made in october of 96 and I think that it uses the external slip yoke. When I look underneath I see a boot at the transfercase side of the driveshaft but I do not remember seeing that with my other jeeps. Also when I replaced my TPS it was a 97 model year sensor rather than a 96. My question is do I have the external slip yoke or the earlier internal one, and which SYE kit would I want? Also what other differences are going to come up. When I buy parts is it better to say I have a 96 or a 97. Obviously the body is 96 but I assume pretty much everything else is a 97? If needed I could go take a picture but its not too convenient. Thanks for any help.

By the way it has the 231 Tcase.

Alan

 

[robert stalberger]

With a 3.5" lift you really don't need a SYE. What kind of terrain do you use this vehicle in? If your not too worried about losing 1" of clearance, you could just put on a transfer case drop for about $20. Rustys Offroad also has a 1" dropped crossmember that will keep you from losing any clearance for about $120. Both of these will give you the correct driveline angle you need, but you don't really have to run either with a 3.5". This doesn't really answer your question, but i'm just trying to help you save money buy not going with something you don't need.

 

[staticrevolution]

Yeah I agree that it would not be needed but I definitely dont plan on keeping it at 3.5 inches. I have only had the lift on for a month and have already been dissapointed with its height. Plans are to eventually go long arm for the front and long rear leaves for high speed off road driving, possibly jeepspeed someday. I was mostly wondering and if I had the 97+ style slip yoke and if there are any other things I should watch for changes on.

thanks again

Alan

 

[techno1154]

Like Static, I too have a '96 XJ or so the door sticker says. Yet according to post made on this forum there are a lot of things on the XJ that I thought were on the '97 and up including the driveshaft with the dust boot. I would still like to know excatly what year it is. By-the-way, I noticed some years ago, that certain items on GM cars show up on the mid year production models that should be on the following year. Maybe that is what I have. Oh! the wiring seems to be all 97 and none of 96.

About the lift, I have not lifted mine yet. :shhh:

 

[robert stalberger]

If you say that you bought a '97 TPS, then i would just keep to the newer year. I'm deffinently not an expert though. What size lift are you looking to run?

 

[robert stalberger]

Vehicle manufactuers have been doing this for years. For example, Ford started putting the Power Stroke diesel in their trucks in '93 just as a turbo diesle, but didn't start calling it a Power Stroke until '94. My point is that they do this to see how it works before they start claiming something new, if that makes any since.

 

[staticrevolution]

What size lift are you looking to run?

Probably looking to go up around 5.5-6 with custom shock mounts and massize fender trimming. Just a thought. I want to get it as long travel as possible. Looking at the full traction front arms. (wish list) Perhaps RE's new radius arms, i think that is what they are not just long arms and a drop bracket. Who knows really. Still looking at my options. I installed the 3.5 specifically to just put on some 31's I worked into the deal for the jeep.

Alan

 

[robert stalberger]

What size tires are you looking to run?

 

[robert stalberger]

Before doing the massive fender trimming you talked about, look at BajaConcepts.com. They have some really nice fiberglass prerunner fenders with either 3.5" or 4.5"s of flare for about $300 a pair. They give you plenty of room for whatever you want to do. I bought a pair a couple of months ago and couldn't be happier. Not only do they serve their purpose, but they give it a clean look also. I'll have to post some pictures to show you because the ones on their web sit aren't the same, they show the flat fender style.

 

[staticrevolution]

Hum I would like to see some pictures. I have considered fiberglass fenders but I have a 4 door and I wasent sure they made bedsides for the 4 doors do you know? I think the fiberglass front fenders look great but what is everyone doing with the rear to match? Oh and I am probably looking at 35 inch tires.

Alan

 

[robert stalberger]

I don't believe anyone makes the bed sides. Most just take off the flares and trim, then they put on TJ or YJ flares, if they put any on at all. Remember, running 35's is a costly route. 33's and a 6" lift can get you more places than you would expect without hurting your wallet as much. I'm not saying don't do go with 35's, but look at the terrain where your wanting to go before spending money you don't need to.

 

[Wayne Sihler]

Your 96 should not need anything but a hack&tap kit ,same as my 96.The only reason you would need another rear housing on the TC is if you use the HD shaft kit.
I,m at 3+ " and needed a SYE because of vibrations and the spline engagement was not enough to be safe when off-road.
YMMV
Wayne

 

[staticrevolution]

Ok well I guess my next question is the RE HD SYE with the new shaft compatable with both style slip yokes?

Thanks fo the input!

 

[Wayne Sihler]

The RE SYE will require a new drive shaft.The hack&tap uses a flange mount,the HD has a u-joint style I believe.
RE has drive shafts around $295
Wayne