[allibaster]

I'm ready to order a SYE/CV kit, and I think I will go with this combo:

http://www.jeepinoutfitters.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=593

I currently have a 3.5" lift, but will eventually move to a 4.5" or 5". Does going to a bigger lift affect how I should order this kit? The CV driveshaft should automatically lengthen with the increase in lift, correct? Is this why they ask for stock shaft inches and current lift height?

Also, at the bottom of the page, they mention this:

CV/double-cardan style driveshafts require the axle pinion to be rotated inline with the driveshaft. Shims or adjustable control arms are needed for this, depending on if you've got a leaf spring or coil spring suspension

Do I need shims? What else do I need?

[xjfever]

I would order the kit for 4" of lift and split the difference. It would most likely be fine to go up to 4.5" with an SYE/cv driveshaft that was built for 3.5", but why take chances. You will most likely need 4* shims for that set-up, but if you can wait till it's installed to get the shims, you can measure the angles and get the correct shims. You can PM Jason at jeepin outfitters for his opinion on the kit though.

[c-manxj]

im sure someone else could chime in with more info, but if you order a driveshaft for a certain lift height, it will be designed for that specific lift height. sure the driveshaft is built with splines to extend but if you add lift you will then force that driveshaft to get closer to the point where it will run out of splines. im pretty sure you could always have the driveshaft extended by a driveline shop if you go higher later on down the road

and the shims would be a good idea in order to point the rear diff's input pinion at the output of the transfer case, thereby reducing the angle to create a straighter line (less stress)

i recommend looking at 4x4groupbuy.com, you may find a better deal and i know they sell tom woods driveshafts in their combo kits which is better than the RE shaft

[jersey_jim]

i would buy a SYE kit from jason at jeepinoutfitters.com, then go to your local junk yard and pick up a front drive shaft from a auto trans xj and run that, i have ran my front shafts with a 3.5", 4.5" and now just about 6.5" of lift, and still doing good

[conrasm]

I agree, just order the SYE and use the front driveshaft in the rear. I've been running mine like that for 3 years with 4.5" lift (which sat closer to 5-5.5" until I recently removed one of the leafs to soften the pack) and had no problems. Plus spare shafts are cheap. If you have problems with the stock XJ front shaft, then buy an aftermarket one. Or if you are dead set on having a shaft made, use a front XJ shaft until you get your lift finished, then measure and have one made.

With my 4.5" lift, I have 3.5" springs and longer shackle and I used a 6 degree shim and that has my pinion angle perfect. And the "fat" part of the shim goes towards the rear when you install them.