How does a transfer case lowering kit work.

blackcat471 · 01-21-2009, 09:32 AM

Okay I was reading the instructions for the transfer case lowering kit and i'm a bit confused as to how it works. It looks to me like it's just spacers that lower the skid plate that goes under the t case not the t case itself. The t case is connected to the tranny and I don't see how that can be lowered without disconnecting from the tranny. Can someone please explain how they work. Thanks in advance.

**TheBoogieman** · 01-21-2009, 09:35 AM

The transmission/t case. is bolted to that skid,lower the skid,lower the transmission.

jeep95xj · 01-21-2009, 09:36 AM

On a TJ the t-case is bolted to the skid plate so when you lower the slid plate, you also lower the t-case. Follow the instructions and you will see. Sometimes a visual is easier

BlazinJack · 01-21-2009, 09:37 AM

your correct, you put the spacers in between your t-case/tranny crossmember (skid plate) and the frame. you dont need to disconnect anything. just use a floor jack to hold the plate, unbolt the (6) bolts lower the skid, and install the spacers, and bolt it back up.

**TheBoogieman** · 01-21-2009, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlazinJack

your correct, you put the spacers in between your t-case/tranny crossmember (skid plate) and the frame. you dont need to disconnect anything. just use a floor jack to hold the plate, unbolt the (6) bolts lower the skid, and install the spacers, and bolt it back up.

You're supposed to loosen the 4 bolts under the skid also,that way the transmission can shift when lowering it.

NotOfThisWorld · 01-21-2009, 09:48 AM

Or... you do a 1" motor mount lift and keep your clearance under your skid plate. Accomplishes the same purpose, especially if you plan on doing a 1" body lift.

**Faramir66103** · 01-21-2009, 09:52 AM

I was wondering the same thing a while ago. What I was missing is that the engine has a mount on either side that acts as a pivot. The next mounting point of the driveline is the transmission and transfer case crossmember/skid plate. When you install those spacers, the transmission and transfer case come down and the engine pivots up at the front a bit, and down at the rear. This changes the angle of the rear driveshaft and reduces stress on the single universal joint and therefore reduces driveline vibration.

Many folks who don't want to lower their transmission/transfer case crossmember/skid (and thereby loose clearance) install a slip yoke eliminator (SYE) and constant velocity (CV) equipped driveshaft. The SYE shortens the length of the transfer case assembly (allowing for a longer driveshaft) with the end result being to relax those driveline angles similar to the lowering kit. The CV driveshaft has 2 universal joints to distribute the angles further, again reducing stress on the joints and shaft and therefore reducing driveline vibration. I also understand that adjustable control arms and/or longer than stock control arms can also figure into the equation, but I'm now at the limit of my understanding, so perhaps more knowledgeable folks will chime in.

HTH,
Adam

jeep95xj · 01-21-2009, 04:30 PM

raising the motor 1" can cause other problems. Fan problems, ac line problems, air intake hitting the hood problems (mostly on the XJ) Your BEST bet is a SYE kit otherwise do the t-case drop.

rdping · 09-29-2009, 11:26 AM

Will installing a 1" body lift and 1" motor mount eliminate the need for transfer case drop kit?

**mdm** · 09-29-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeep95xj

raising the motor 1" can cause other problems. Fan problems, ac line problems, air intake hitting the hood problems ...

Only the fan is a problem in the TJ and that is easily fixed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdping

Will installing a 1" body lift and 1" motor mount eliminate the need for transfer case drop kit?

Maybe. I know it's not a good answer but that's the way it is. Each TJ is a little different and what might work for you may not work for me. A 1" MML does not change the output shaft angle as much as a 1" transfer case drop will. However, even if the MML does not completely eliminate the vibrations it will reduce the amount the transfer case has to be dropped. You can use washers between the skid and the frame and add/remove washers until you find the amount needed to take care of your problem.

npagnotta · 07-12-2010, 12:04 PM

I have a 1982 CJ7 with a 305 Chevy V8 and a 4 speed manual tranny. My front drive Axel in hitting the bell housing when I use my 4wd. I bought the jeep used and it looks like it has a 4" suspension lift and a 2" body lift. I am running 33 12x50's with plenty of clearance if that helps. Would a t-case lowering kit solve my problem?

**mdm** · 07-12-2010, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by npagnotta

I have a 1982 CJ7...

You'd be better off asking in the CJ forum.

CJ Technical Forum - JeepForum.com

Welcome to the forum.

jlewber · 12-19-2010, 08:18 PM

By lowering the Transmission/Transfer case will this cause problems with the shifter? Finding rev?

**dcope17** · 12-19-2010, 08:44 PM

^^^ it can...

jlewber · 12-20-2010, 03:14 PM

I pulled my center consol apart and my shifter is hitting the tub when I put it in reverse. The inner rubber boot has a big hole in it, It must have been rubbing for a while. I guess I need to cut some of the tub out of the way so it wont rub any more.