Lifting my 2000 Sport (apologies in advance)

00XJ49 · 11-12-2009, 08:59 PM

I know, there are threads like this on every page - I've read a fair amount of them over the past couple of weeks. I'm still a little fuzzy on some of the details, though.

First, the background. I've had Jeepy for three years now - she's been my daily driver since my Junior year in college, and she's run strong the whole time. I'm ready to turn her into something that'll tackle a little more off-roading, but she's still going to be my beater as well.

As far as the lift kit, I'm pretty set on the Rubicon Express Super Ride 3.5" with rear springs. I'm also looking into a slip yoke eliminator - this is where the trouble starts.

I guess there are two different transfer cases that come on the XJ's - the NP231 and NP242. I think I've got the NP242, but I'm not sure, nor do I know how to find out. If I do have the NP242, the only SYE I can put on is a "hack-n-tap" kit, which RE also has. So, first two questions right there - how to I tell which TC I've got, and if it is the NP242, is the only SYE available the HnT?

Alright, moving on. After putting on the SYE, I'll need a constant velocity driveshaft. I know I can modify my stock one, but I'd rather just get one that's already cut to size. There's my next question - where do I get one? I've poked around the RE site, but can't seem to find a CV shaft for an XJ. I'm assuming the one of the ones they've got available will work, but it's just not marked for an XJ with SYE - can anyone confirm this?

That's about it for my specific questions. If there's any other advice anyone would like to impart, I'm open ears, er, eyes, whatever.

I'm also looking into grill and tail light guards - I'm pretty set on Manik. Also looking into a roof rack - Kevin's Off Road is where I'm looking for that. I haven't picked out new tires or wheels, but I'm not about to drop the cash on the lift quite yet, so I'm not in any rush.

As far as my technical knowledge goes... I'm on the lower end of the scale, but I'm a quick study. I change the oil myself every 3000 miles, keep the fluids up, and I've put in a new water pump and belt. Nothing impressive, but I can work a wrench.

Thanks for the time guys!

SkinnyMe97 · 11-12-2009, 10:09 PM

NP 242 has full time 4wd , NP231 does not , only has 4hi & 4lo . You can get SYE's for both ,though not many companies make them for the 242 . After you install your SYE you need to measure yoke to yoke then order a new driveshaft by length based on that measurement.

Khary23 · 11-12-2009, 10:38 PM

The shift pattern for the NP231 is 2WD-4Hi-N-4Lo
the NP242 is 2WD- 4WD Part-time- 4WD Full-time- Neutral -4WD Low

If you have a 231 there are a ton of SYE kit out there. I just installed one from Advance Adapters it was a pretty straight forward job excepting the lock rings. As far as a new drive shaft you can use the front DS from a cherokee with an automatic transmission.

**xjfever** · 11-13-2009, 06:10 AM

If you have the 242 this is a good option IRON ROCK OFF ROAD: Slip Yoke Eliminator and Driveshaft Kit If you have the 231 I like the HD SYE kits better, you get a much stronger outputshaft.

00XJ49 · 11-13-2009, 08:02 AM

Sounds like I've got the NP231. Thanks guys!

Okay, so, how difficult is it to bust into the TC to put in the HD kit? I can see myself losing all those splines pretty easy...

SkinnyMe97 · 11-13-2009, 08:09 AM

Check the Tech/FAQ sticky there are several good write-ups on SYE installs.

**Kettles** · 11-13-2009, 09:15 AM

Unless your dong some major stuff a Hack and Tap style SYE should not have any problems. Breaking the ouput is rare, unless you have big upgraded axles the output shouldn't be the weak link. So if you get worried about taking your T-C apart, just dont. But whatever you pick have fun!

00XJ49 · 11-13-2009, 09:22 AM

I may go the HnT route then - I don't ever plan on doing any rock crawling, just some trail making every now and then.

**xjfever** · 11-13-2009, 09:51 AM

The HD kit is easier to me than the hack-n-tap set-up. You can install the HD style in a couple of hours without worrying about cutting the shaft crooked, drilling the hole wrong or breaking the tap off. The splines are cut into the shaft and won't fall out. The only thing in there to fall out is the pump and it only goes back in one way, so it is hard to mess it up. Three or four lock rings have to be removed, the speedometer gear has to be swapped over to the new shaft as well as the main gears, but it is a piece of cake to do. But either one will work. http://www.crgrissom.com/jeep/SYE.wmv here is a video of the HD SYE install in a TJ, but it is exactly the same as your XJ.

00XJ49 · 11-16-2009, 08:00 PM

Buh. Still seems daunting to me...

SkinnyMe97 · 11-16-2009, 08:09 PM

I'm with XJfever on this one , I'd rather replace parts then cut what's there .

**Kettles** · 11-16-2009, 08:12 PM

Well if you cut whats there a F-Up then you can get the AA kit, lol.

**Jeepy84** · 11-16-2009, 11:25 PM

I haven't done it myself cause I don't need to, but I've read you can do the HnT by putting the Jeep in drive with the ds disconnected (obviously) and the e-brake on, I assume geometry and physics dictate a pretty flat and smooth cut with that method.

GunnerT23 · 11-17-2009, 10:42 AM

im with the sye train on this, I did mine in 7 hours with super crappy snap ring pliers, I wish I found some lock ring pliers, would have cut the time in half, and whats Nice about doind a kit (I did an AA) untill you crack the case, yur not reusing any parts so if need be, ya gan get froggie with it.

called tom wood drive shaft for mine. got their standard set up.

but I rolled with a 4.5 inch lift for about 2 months before converting. so you will have time to lift it and see if ya need it cause every XJ is different when it comes to that SYE,

00XJ49 · 11-17-2009, 05:32 PM

Sorry - AA stands for...?

Continually, thanks for all the info!