Rubicon Express XJ 4.5", What else is needed??

X

XJ91

NAXJA Forum User
Location
G'Nagiwanka
I'm at the point of being redy to purchease the "Rubicon Express XJ 4.5" Super-Flex Kit w/ Full Spring Pack". Is there anything else I should be buying? Aside from PB Blaster and some time to loosen some bolts up. :shiver:

The site mentions "Installation of a slip yoke eliminator and CV driveshaft on the stock NV231 transfer case is recommended." I have the NP242 T-Case, do I still need the SYE Kit?

________________________________________________________________
91 XJ, Auto, Stock, 4.0L HO
 
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I can only speak for the 231. I did the SYE.
When I was at 3" it was managable with out the SYE but I had to drop the case to get rid of vibes
. At 5.5 it would have fallen out. My xj is a 97 and is more suseptable to driveline issues. Plus you won't have to give up any clearance by using a TC drop kit.
I would condiser barpin eliminators I wish I had done them with my first lift when I only broke 1 shock mount bolt. The second time the rest broke despite my being careful.
Good luck.
 
Yucca-Man said:
I asked this question about the 242 for someone else at http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20971 and if you check out the "update for hubby" thread http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=20935 you'll see some of the same questions. Upgrading a few parts of the RE6130 might be a good place to start, and I'd seriously recommend the SYE with that height; your driveshaft will need the extra length.
Click to expand...


ThanX Yucca-Man, I did read through your post but the year of your bud's heep is not mentioned. I haven't the cash for a Tom Woods. :tears:

I'll look into the RE1660 HD Trackbar and RE1665 Trackbar Bracket. :thumbup:
 
XJ91,

I have a '91 w/NP242 and just had an RE 4.5 installed a few months ago ... you're gonna need a SYE and t-case drop---my old 3" lift required dropping the t-case. The SYE alone didn't remove all the vibes because the RE 4.5 will take you to approximately 5.25" lift ...

I went with Currie's NP 242/231 SYE kit .... unless things changed since October 2003, you can't buy a HD kit for a NP242.

Currie: http://www.offroadjeepparts.com/purchase/product.asp?uid=39831673&item=322

Plan on a new rear driveshaft .... it doesn't need to be a CV shaft ... but it's recommended. My front driveshaft needed to be replaced ... if you do this make sure you change out the seal on the t-case while it's out.

Install new 3/4" poly spacer (top) and 3/4" OEM isolator (bottom) stacked on the front springs ... or it will stand like a stink bug in the rear. The better option is to install ACOS ... then you can fine tune to your hearts desire.

Consider the following upgrades to the kit:

1. Upper/Lower "Adjustable" Control Arms
2. HD Trackbar & Bracket
3. JKS Discos

This will provide more flexability in the future in case you want to go higher and install drop brackets for those lower control arms.

Good luck
 
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bchulett,

The TC drop is included with the kit. It's stuff like the SYE that will keep me from getting this lift sooner than expected. :bawl: I'll have to keep scraping every penny in to the jar untill I have the greens for both LIFT and SYE. :bawl:

I'll look into the pricing of the "Upper/Lower "Adjustable" Control Arms"

ThanX for the advice
 
"I'll have to keep scraping every penny in to the jar untill I have the greens for both LIFT and SYE."

and then some ... Keep in mind lifting a 13 year old XJ 4.5" is kinda like performing replacement hip surgery on a 90 year old man---I think our XJ's are the same as dog years. I'm the original owner and everything has been very well maintained with extensive maintenance records dating back to August 1991. It had 60K miles on it when I installed the Rancho 3" lift---with no problems whatsoever.

But this time around I was concerned it wouldn't survive the surgery without some complications ... hence the new front driveshaft and leaky t-case seal.

Therefore, I would at least plan on a good SYE (Currie) with appropriate driveshaft, and have more $$ in reserve in case the old dog needs extended rehab. ;)


Bob
 
I have to agree that the JKS GenII discos and the RE Heavy Duty trac bar are worth looking into. It will work with the RE stuff that comes with the kit but you will be much happier with these two items upgraded.
 
to keep your front end lined up right, i would recommend the drop pitman arm from RE. drops everything back into place. w/o it, i would be having bumpsteer problems for sure...
also, i have a question. what is wrong with the RE disconnects? might that be the clunk in my front end that i'm having such a hard time figuring out?
 
"i have a question. what is wrong with the RE disconnects? might that be the clunk in my front end that i'm having such a hard time figuring out?"

I think you have the same clunk I have ever since I had my RE installed. It's definitely those disconnects. Sloppy design. Mine are coming off and will be relaced with JKS.

I just wish I knew in advance RE will upgrade their kits with the JKS parts---for an incremental cost increase.

Of course, that's what I heard on this board and have yet to confirm.
 
Yes,
throw the PB Blaster away and get some SiliKroil. This stuff is scary-good and you'll need all the help you can get. I used PB and broke every bolt under 1/2" diameter when I did my lift (and that was on a '99). Since buying the SiliKroil I have yet to break another. You can buy it direct.

http://www.kanolaboratories.com/
 
kid4lyf said:
Yes,
throw the PB Blaster away and get some SiliKroil. This stuff is scary-good and you'll need all the help you can get. I used PB and broke every bolt under 1/2" diameter when I did my lift (and that was on a '99). Since buying the SiliKroil I have yet to break another. You can buy it direct.

http://www.kanolaboratories.com/
Click to expand...




You have got to be kidding me. PB Blaster works. Nothing else said.
 
bchulett said:
XJ91,
Consider the following upgrades to the kit:

1. Upper/Lower "Adjustable" Control Arms
2. HD Trackbar & Bracket
3. JKS Discos

Good luck
Click to expand...


evilpresence said:
You should look into getting the:

JKS Quicker Disconnects
JKS Adjustable Trackbar
Click to expand...

Is there a big difference with the JKS Trackbar over the RE HD Trackbar?

Being from North of the border, PB Blaster is not sold here.

The suppliers I have been getting quotes from will "upgrade" components of the lift kit.
 
XJ91 said:
Is there a big difference with the JKS Trackbar over the RE HD Trackbar?

Being from North of the border, PB Blaster is not sold here.

The suppliers I have been getting quotes from will "upgrade" components of the lift kit.
Click to expand...


Personally, I do not run the JKS Trackbar, but it is on "the list" of items to get. I believe it is stronger as do other guys in my club. The RE should be fine, but if you are upgrading I would go with JKS.

A mistake that I made when buying my parts was that I purchased my JB Conversions Super Short SYE and then purchased my driveshaft. BUY THEM TOGETHER, as you will save.

Since you are on a tight budget (I was the same way when I put mine on), I would buy slightly used tires. You can always find a guy (or lady) out there that got inchitis with in a month and went larger. I got my TrXuS 31s for $300 plus shipping.

Depending on tire size, you might not have to regear right now. I'm still at stock, but 4.56s are on "the list" as well.

Oh yeah, make a list and check the items off when you get them.
 
xxxj-va said:
Hope its not too obvious but I read where you didn't have cash for the SYE..... Gears and Tires?......add $1200?

P
Click to expand...
evilpresence said:
Since you are on a tight budget (I was the same way when I put mine on), I would buy slightly used tires. You can always find a guy (or lady) out there that got inchitis with in a month and went larger. I got my TrXuS 31s for $300 plus shipping.

Depending on tire size, you might not have to regear right now. I'm still at stock, but 4.56s are on "the list" as well.
Click to expand...

AHHHH Tires,, Good thing a guy @Work got 32" BFG's and gave me his 31x10.50 Pirelli's For FREE :D 65-70% Tread on them.(Sitting in the shed, dying to be fitted but not on stock) I've got some AR's on the way.

Dam, I did not even think of gears. :banghead: $$$$$ MORE $$$$$

3.55's with 31's should be fine.
 
"AHHHH Tires,, Good thing a guy @Work got 32" BFG's and gave me his 31x10.50 Pirelli's For FREE 65-70% Tread on them.(Sitting in the shed, dying to be fitted but not on stock) I've got some AR's on the way."

So Gaw got you started on all this huh??? .... that's what we call the "guy at work". If Gaw is the boss tell him you need a raise now ... :D

Imo ... Send the AR's back and mount those 31's (or con Gaw out of his 32's) on your stockers... spend the money on upgrading your lift and drivetrain ... Currie SYE, RE HD Track Bar, ACOS, JKS discos, and RSX 9000's.

"3.55's with 31's should be fine."

Yes they will ... you have an HO motor... just drop it in 3rd around town until you have another $1.5K for gears and tire replacement.


Have you done anything to the exhaust system ?

May want to check where your e-brake cable comes across from the center to the rear pass backplate... my cable came into contact with the muffler after the lift ... now the Dynomax needs to be moved forward about 6" with a new custom bent 2.5" tailpipe.

Add another $200+ w/2.5" Cat


Just keeps adding up $$$$.$$
 
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