Should I lower my transfer case?

jdoury · 10-11-2011, 07:37 AM

I know this has been covered many times before, but I have not seen a cost/benefit in a close call scenario. Here's the scenario:

1997 TJ just lifted with a 2" Old Man Emu light load with 32" Pro Comp All Terrains (looks great). At first, my mechanic told me I needed a transfer case lowering kit, as recommended by one of his techs (the lift kit did not include one). He then called me back to tell me to cancel the order as I didn't need it, the noise/vibration was the muffler hitting the frame, or something, which he fixed. Now it drives fine to him. I picked it up, and since he mentioned it, I noticed a slight vibration/knocking from under/near the stickshift as I get the truck going in first gear. It goes away quickly and drives great after that.

I have two issues to addres for any kind souls willing to share thier wisdom with a relative noob with limited technical skill:

1) Is this a sign that I need to lower the transfer case? Or could it be something else wrong? Or is there nothing wrong and this is just something that sometimes happens when you lift a TJ, and therefore I should just be fine with some light vibes?

2) Is it worth it to make an adjustment considering the issue is not that severe? Am I risking damaging the car by driving on it when it may need to be adjusted?

Thanks in advance.

WillysEdition04 · 10-11-2011, 07:58 AM

You might need a transfer case bracket. Try pushing all the way down on your T-case shifter to see if that helps temporarily. If it does, a simple/cheap aftermarket bracket should fix the knocking/slop.

This doesn't sound like a drive line vibration issue to me.

**TheBoogieman** · 10-11-2011, 08:03 AM

Drop the t case slightly with a few washers and that will tell you for sure.It takes less than 15 minutes to do.It could also be the t case shifter linkage or a broken transmission mount.All of the above are very easy to see.

http://www.4x4xplor.com/T-CaseTSB.html

http://www.rockcrawler.com/techrepor...t_tj/index.asp

**timberwolf0122** · 10-11-2011, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBoogieman

Drop the t case slightly with a few washers and that will tell you for sure.It takes less than 15 minutes to do.It could also be the t case shifter linkage or a broken transmission mount.All of the above are very easy to see.

http://www.4x4xplor.com/T-CaseTSB.html

http://www.rockcrawler.com/techrepor...t_tj/index.asp

You've never had a nutsert break free have you

**TheBoogieman** · 10-11-2011, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timberwolf0122

You've never had a nutsert break free have you

I had two break,but luckily they were for my auto tranny skid.

IslandTJ · 10-11-2011, 10:03 AM

A motor mount lift will usually remedy vibes caused by a 2" suspension or budget lift. At least it did, for me

. In your case, a couple of washers on each transfer case skid bolt, should dial out your vibes.

jjmd · 10-11-2011, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by islandtj

a motor mount lift will usually remedy vibes caused by a 2" suspension or budget lift. At least it did, for me

. In your case, a couple of washers on each transfer case skid bolt, should dial out your vibes.

x2

**geiman** · 10-11-2011, 10:24 AM

If it's only for a short while when you first take off, I'd also guess it's something to do with the transfercase bracket, possibly the TSB for the transfercase shifter knocking.

NAlbertaTJ · 10-11-2011, 11:04 AM

I have a vibration first when I start off as well, and goes away after 5-10 km/h. You think this might be where its coming from? Also, do I need to remover the body mount to do the TSB. I have my tub lined with bed liner so the bolts are lined too. I'd have to cut the liner around them to get them to move. Can the TSB be done without removing the body mount?

**TheBoogieman** · 10-11-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IslandTJ

A motor mount lift will usually remedy vibes caused by a 2" suspension or budget lift. At least it did, for me

. In your case, a couple of washers on each transfer case skid bolt, should dial out your vibes.

Ahhhh Kourtney.

**geiman** · 10-11-2011, 11:10 AM

I suggested the TSB because the OP also described it as a knocking sound. When I fixed the TSB on mine it would knock on takeoff, but I had no vibrations. Not sure if you're just using "vibration" loosely, but any driveline vibrations won't be caused by the TSB. You can tell for sure if the TSB is causing your problem by pulling up slightly or pushing down slightly on the transfercase shifter as you drive/try to make the noise. If the added pressure on the t-case shifter stops the noise, than that is your problem.

As for removing the body mount, it's been almost two years since I've done it, but I know I had to remove the body mount on mine when I fixed it. Whether or not it is a necessity I'm not sure, but I'd lean towards yes. I believe you need to remove that in order to get off the piece that you need to replace the rubber bushing on.

jdoury · 10-14-2011, 12:00 PM

Thanks everyone. I have it back at the mechanic who installed the lift. I sent him a transfer case lowering kit from quardatec and we'll see how it goes. I'll let you know. Thanks again.