Topic: Installing a Rubicon Express 3.5 lift

[sharpxmen]

How do I lower the transfer case? is that just the spacers on the tranny skid? Id like to get the lift for the summer. Ill order it when the jeep is getting tuned. i meant driveshaft

yes, spacers between the skid and the frame. this is what you need
1'' lowering kit http://www.quadratec.com/products/52254_602.htm

unfortunately the kit above doesn't look like it comes with a t-case shifter relocation bracket which i think you need on the TJ. this one has it but I can't see the bolts but they might be included (don't know if they are as i have some issues downloading the instructions for it).
http://www.quadratec.com/products/16006_106.htm

best way of course is the SYE and driveshaft swap, but considering the price of the lowering kit (below $50) could be a reasonable intermediate solution that would work until you get the parts for the SYE (i did run one on mine and it was fine, can't complain).

[chrisjsmith4]

Just looked at what is included in the standard kit.

Parts Included

    * Front & Rear Coil Springs
    * Front & Rear Bump Stops
    * Front Sway Bar Disconnects
    * Rear Sway Bar Links
    * Rear Track Bar Bracket
    * Transfer Case Lowering Kit
    * Installation Hardware

So I don't need to buy anything else. Just the kit. I'll upgraded to the superflex soon cause it will probably be way better.

nix that idea. just downloaded the pdf and it says the transfer case drop down kit is for the 96-02

[sharpxmen]

yeah, sometimes it comes with the lowering kit, my lift came with one too. it's easy to install, only difference between TJ and YJ is the relocation bracket.

[aw12345]

Buy the standard kit then buy currie or rockmen control arms, you will regret buying the rubicon express control arms, unless of course you like changing control arm bushings every month or less. The Currie J joints arm or the rockmen clones are good stuff

[jagular7]

Drop the rear of the driveline or lift the front. Both perform the same result action to minimize the driveline vibes.

Dropping the rear requires the spacers and longer bolts to hold the trans skid plate.
Lifting the front requires small body lift and a motor mount lift bracket.

Both require relocation bracket for the tcase shifter bell crank. The bell crank is sandwiched between the trans and the floor. Move either and it misaligns in the brackets.

[chrisjsmith4]

Good to know thanks.

Anyone running 33's on stock gearing. The tires I want come in 31/10.5 or 33/12.5. I was hoping for 32's. I have the 2.4 with a turbo. Is there a difference in the relocation brackets cause my jeep is a 03 and they say the kit is up to 02

[sharpxmen]

Good to know thanks.

Anyone running 33's on stock gearing. The tires I want come in 31/10.5 or 33/12.5. I was hoping for 32's. I have the 2.4 with a turbo. Is there a difference in the relocation brackets cause my jeep is a 03 and they say the kit is up to 02

i had 33x12.5 with stock gearing (4.10) - it works but not the happier of the setups, pretty much forgot i had 5th unless i was going downhill. to bring it back stock-like would be 4.88 R&P

before that i ran 31s, that was better but not by much, still wish i had better ratio

[jfrabat]

i had 33x12.5 with stock gearing (4.10) - it works but not the happier of the setups, pretty much forgot i had 5th unless i was going downhill. to bring it back stock-like would be 4.88 R&P

before that i ran 31s, that was better but not by much, still wish i had better ratio

If you can (read, if you have D44's!), I would go to 5.13 with 33's; 4.88 bring it back to stock when you do the formula, but the formula dos not account for greater wind ressistance (bigger and wider tires and a lift) or rolling ressistance (bigger, wider and heavier tires).

[chrisjsmith4]

i believe i have 4.56 stock. my tranny is the nv2550 i think. does this change your suggestions?

[jfrabat]

i believe i have 4.56 stock. my tranny is the nv2550 i think. does this change your suggestions?

I know with an auto, 4.88 might work out, but I am not familiar with them. But this is the first time I hear of a Jeep with 4.56 stock; are you sure about this?

[sharpxmen]

But this is the first time I hear of a Jeep with 4.56 stock; are you sure about this?

x2

[Jeffy]

i believe i have 4.56 stock. my tranny is the nv2550 i think. does this change your suggestions?

What year is the Jeep and what transmission does it have, auto or manual?  There is no NV2550.  The closest thing would be a NV3550 (manual) but that only comes with the 4.0L.

The only TJ to have 4.56's stock was the 2004 with the 42RH automatic transmission.

If that's really your gearing then you can only move to 4.88's which will probably be marginal at best.

[aw12345]

2.4 does fine with 4.56 or 4.88 gears on mine 4.88's and 35" tires is a pretty happy marriage

[neale_rs]

It's not what most say but I'm pretty happy with 4.56 and 33s.  It pulls well in 4th on the highway and I hardly ever have to use 5th.  Isn't 5th the one that goes bad most often?  Better not to have to use it!  Keep in mind that the highways I use to get to trails are not freeways so the speed is almost never over 55 mph.

[Jeffy]

It's not what most say but I'm pretty happy with 4.56 and 33s.  It pulls well in 4th on the highway and I hardly ever have to use 5th.  Isn't 5th the one that goes bad most often?  Better not to have to use it!  Keep in mind that the highways I use to get to trails are not freeways so the speed is almost never over 55 mph.

If you don't have to go over 55MPH then you may never notice the lack or power.  Although, if you drove a stock Jeep on the same route, probably you would.