How To Install a Transfer Case Drop

Want to get rid of drive line vibrations in your Jeep? In this video I will show you how to install a transfer case drop which is a cheaper alternative than a SYE. I will show the whole process from start to finish. If you have any other questions that the video doesn't cover make sure to comment below and I would be happy to answer.
Please Comment, Rate and Subscribe!
Music used in this video: Last Second by Silent Partner

[@stevepascal1042]

it's great to see a video like this that is TO THE POINT. while this may be a relatively simple job, it certainly is not simple for everyone. you did an awesome job of filming and describing this, likely giving a lot of people the confidence to tackle this project. well done!!

[@connerbaldwin8405]

This is how tutorials should be done, have a 4 1/2 inch lift on mine from the people I bought it from but they never did an sye, after I saw how expensive sye kits were I looked for a cheaper alternative, so this helped me greatly, thank you and keep up the badass work 🤘🏻

[@00luke]

I feel so enlightened from learning that jam nut technique. Thank you. Great video

[@rustypotatos]

I support you immensely. I don’t even own a jeep but rock on dude you are so awesome keep these videos coming!

[@TheGeekwad]

Cool video. I'm researching everything I want to do when I get an XJ and when I was reading about lift kits the term "transfer case drop" came up and it sounded kind of intimidating. I'm glad I watched your video because you made it seem like no sweat!

[@jk-76]

I made my own drop with washers and new bolts. It lasted YEARS. No problems at all.

[@dmoney6633]

Great video. For those who do not have a clean xj the lock nut method will not work to pull out the studs. Use some fire (on the drivers side watch out for the lines) and a pipe wrench and they’ll come out. Just so everyone knows because I didn’t plan on spending much time on this and ended up having to, I recommend map gas. This is only if you’re unlucky like me tho and the lock nut isn’t strong enough definitely try that first since it’s quicker and safer.

[@armandor.garcia6208]

Excellent content!

[@carlosemiliomonsalve9511]

Very Nice pal, thanks, regards from Colombia

[@nickyjam770]

Excellent video...thanks.

[@williambush2924]

Dude! You're a lifesaver!! You're gonna think I'm dumb, but I put a 4" lift on my XJ and I got a transfer case drop along with it.. I crawled under to install the drop kit, seen there was one bolt and one nut on each side and the kit came with 4 bolts, and I'm thinking someone screwed up somewhere and I had no idea how I was gonna get the bolt with the nut out, not thinking it was a threaded stud!! Lmao! So now I can go put my drop kit in! Thanks!!!

[@thomasmichael9040]

Best guide to do this online. Thanks a million for your "jam nut" idea--I was all set to chisel that bolt out and thought I would give it a try. What do you know, it came right out! Subbed.

[@paullawton842]

Love it. Jam nut. Great Idea.

[@JasonMayDraw]

Thank you. Perfect 👍

[@erikacuatro9938]

So I’m still pretty new with my XJ. Previous owner put a 5.5 inch lift. The crossmember is right over the transfer case to where I can’t put a regular front drive shaft. Would doing a transfer case drop help with that?

[@Bigred03]

Just had new leaf springs Installed and noticed it’s sitting higher than the front end. Not sure how long before they wear and sag a bit to where the Jeep is level but I’m getting a loud grinding sound from the rear. I suspect the angle change. Would the TC drop help me out here? It’s on a 4.5 lift. Thanks.

[@berniebennett7217]

Is transfer case drop kit the same on a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[@michaeldunn7411]

The 2001 xj has a stud on the front ones which we are currently having a lot of difficulties with

[@dirtysouthtv2209]

Heat them

[@EcoBeast-ip3ky]

What about all that downward pressure on your exhaust hangers. What did you do about the exhaust hanger on the transfer case that is now trying to hold your exhaust up while the tcase is pulling down on it. Causing your actual transfer case mount to have alot of stress on it. Even stretching it out.

[@parkerhiggins6023]

Bought drop kit for my 6.5 inch lift on my wj

[@equals-kl9hm]

This would be a good idea for the Rough Country XJ 3.0 In lift kit? Yes?

[@OutJeeping]

That or an SYE kit for long term.

[@barrymarsh480]

I need to replace my trans mount for my 2000 XJ and the previous owner welded square tubing across the cradle. Is it possible to lift the trans with a jack from a certain spot and simply swap out the old mount for the new. I don’t want to have to drill and tap holes

[@OutJeeping]

It might be, haven't say I've done it myself. But as long as the transmission doesn't hit the top of the tunnel and you have enough room to get it out you should be good.

[@almontserbos9407]

Thanks for the video. I put it down but there is vibration. What size is the widget?

[@OutJeeping]

This was on a 4.5" lift, you may also have a bad u joint in the front or rear shaft.

[@bryanhovorka9747]

Hello, just had a 3" lift installed, with new rear springs, etc. and just ordered a TC drop from RC. Experiencing driveline vibes, anyway, regarding stuck studs or bolts, wouldn't PB Blaster for a couple days and maybe some heat would help free up the potential seized studs / bolts prior to removal? Also, I'll be applying Blue loctite on the bolts and torque at finish.

[@OutJeeping]

While taking off the crossmember on other Jeeps I've had better luck with heat than PB Blaster because it can't really soak up into the threads. But heat seemed to do the trick.

[@bryanhovorka9747]

@@OutJeeping True, heat is your friend when extracting, one would hope that the capillary effect - if any - would work it's way into the thread gaps...but with 20+ years of being secured and some corrosion, no telling. Fortunately, one stud came out with the " jam nut " trick and the other was too stuck and ate the jam nut threads, so it was pipe wrench time and with a bit of caution. The stud was extracted. So RC TC drop cleaned up almost all vibes. Ordered a extended rear brake line, as the 3" RC new leafs have actually given 4" and the brake line is stretched to the MAX....also two new bump stops. Supposed to be 5", we will see when they arrive and I really don't know what should be the bump stop height parameter when going from, say a OEM Bump stop to one that will do it's job if called upon for a 3" - 4" lift.

[@yonicora1166]

So I have a 6 and 1/2 inch Rough Country lift and it came with eight of those do I put all 4 on each side or just two on each side?

[@OutJeeping]

I would only put one per bolt or do an SYE, Its worth every penny.

[@Mr1985Badass]

I know this video is 2 years old, but I'm attempting this with no luck. Tried to use the jamnut technique, but both nuts turned together. I saturated the studs with pb blaster. I guess I'll try again tomorrow.

[@OutJeeping]

Try heating up the frame around where the welded nut on the inside of the frame is located, I've had good luck doing that.

[@Mr1985Badass]

@@OutJeeping I ended up getting it done. Letting the pb blaster sit on it overnight did the trick. Now I'm thinking I'm going to have to do a sye kit on it.

[@ibrajuhani6572]

What about transfer balancing?

[@SuperCamacho81]

I have a 2002 Jeep TJ sport and I recently installed a 2” bds lift with a 3/4 spacer in the front to try to level it. I’m getting bad drive lives vibes. Should I add a TC drop if yes how much. What’s the benefit to go with a SYE??

[@OutJeeping]

The proper solution would be a slip yoke eliminator kit on the transfer case, but to save some money you can do a TC drop. I wouldn't drop it more than 1.25". Maybe start at 1/2" and go from there.

[@jameschildress8989]

Was going to try this to see if it eliminates my problem but I'm concerned with the shifter dropping?

[@OutJeeping]

The shifter linkage will drop with the transfer case and it should still shift fine as long as nothing pops out.

[@mattshafer6644]

I don't have the extra money to get a sye yet, but I'm on a 6.5inch long arm lift with a stock drive shaft, would a drop on the tcase work or do I need to add shims as well .

[@OutJeeping]

A 6.5" lift might be exceeded a tcase drop limit. You only want to shim the rear axle to point at the tcase if you have a sye.

[@2boys2many]

Is there anything else to check when doing this? Like fan blade clearance?

[@OutJeeping]

It doesn't hurt to check but usually with only this much drop you should be okay

[@stevelarson7697]

I have an 01 Wrangler TJ automatic and just installed a 3" suspension lift. Will this transfer case drop kit effect my shifter lever? won"t it drop also?

[@OutJeeping]

It will drop a bit as well but still be functional as long as the linkage does not pop out of it's holders.

[@TheSargeTV]

How much did it make the driveshaft slide more on the spline. I have 4'' lift on my 98 xj 4.0 5 speed. The rear shaft is only on 20-30% of the spline. Will this help? (cheap way)

[@trytobereal8635]

Some...transfer case drop plus leaf spring/axle shims should do the trick. That's what I'm working on.

[@kenskens69]

Ok question what lift you have, and it all depent in how you biult you jeep my need one or not.just asking

[@OutJeeping]

Usually you might need a T-case drop when lifted over 3 inches to prevent drive line vibes. I always recommend an SYE kit over the drop but to each there own.

[@jdssurf]

So for a 3.5 rubicon express short arm lift, what transfer case drop kit do you recommend

[@OutJeeping]

An inch drop like this will do just fine.

[@jdssurf]

OutJeeping ok thanks, most ppl said I wouldn’t need it with this lift, but when I did the add a leaf way back, I got slight vibration, as it sagged over time, it went away. Now I want full leaf packs, so I’m assuming it will all come back. So you think that will work then without causing other problems? Some say my fan might hit my radiator and crap like that.............appreciate your time bud........thanks

[@OutJeeping]

@@jdssurf The most drop I've seen is 1.5" and people were fine. If you drop it excessive like 3 inches then you may have an issue of the fan hitting the radiator and stress on motor mounts.

[@anthonygarcia8742]

I just added these to my 96 zj that has a 4 inch lift but I seem to be getting vibration around 30-40mph, I'm thinking it's the drive shaft is at too much of an angle. I'm new to cars so idk for sure. Any ideas?

[@OutJeeping]

This video might help, I explain driveshaft geometry in the beginning.

[@coltonwoody8225]

Just put a 3 inch lift on my 99 Cherokee has a rubbing sound almost like a tire is rubbing when I accelerate stops making the sound after about 30-35mph think it could be a driveline issue? Thanks in advance

[@OutJeeping]

Yup sounds like it. Did you add a t-case drop or a SYE kit?

[@coltonwoody8225]

@@OutJeeping I ordered the transfer case drop today

[@tightcutz3502]

Do u know were I can find wj transfer case drop instructions

[@OutJeeping]

It's probably similar to this or online forums go them

[@MossTank]

Hi.I have jeep grand cherokee 2004 2,7d. and have double cardan u joint. I want lifting 4 inch. i need or dont need Install a Transfer Case Drop ?

[@OutJeeping]

With a double cardan joint on the rear it does not need a drop

[@JesusMartinez-fr6bo]

I have a 99 xj with a 4.5 lift it has a tc drop but the tc shifter linkage has a bad angle it still works but im just worried bout the linkage breaking or bending is there anything i can do to fix the angle

[@dirtysouthtv2209]

Get this and your problem is solved: www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5RCB2B/?coliid=I1XLH8HFWXR5OF&colid=2374G3IF288BJ&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[@OutJeeping]

I recommend that replacement as well especially if the old linkage is worn out or on it's last leg.

[@firesorcererfs6029]

Would this also work for a lifted xj that’s 2wd

[@OutJeeping]

Yup should be the same

[@AustinSmith-bb7kd]

Is this going to affect my 4wd shifter linkage? Some people say that once you drop the tcase you have to get a plate to relocate the linkage?

[@OutJeeping]

The linkage moves itself when it is dropped down, I've never had issues when I did mine

[@AustinSmith-bb7kd]

OutJeeping thanks for the help!!

[@johnbroderick2511]

My Jeep lifted about an inch or two with my new leafs and it's giving me those vibrations, how big of a t-case drop should I look at? Or should I replaced the driveshaft U-joints?

[@OutJeeping]

If the U joints are bad I would definitely replace those, but if they're good and it's still vibrating I would maybe drop it 1/2 to a full inch for that size lift.

[@johnbroderick2511]

OutJeeping ay word thanks!

[@THECRAZYNARWHAL34]

He looks like mr beast

[@peacheyshananigans4627]

When you order mr beast off of wish

[@MrGigaHurtz]

Looks pretty easy! Is the SYE really that much better for the money? Seems expensive compared to this.

[@OutJeeping]

Yeah I recommend doing an sye over a drop, it's a lot cleaner. A transfer case ruined me exhaust by putting pressure on the joints and cracking them.

[@INSERTaccountHERE]

@@OutJeeping a custom exhaust is still cheaper than a sye

[@jameschildress8989]

96 Cherokee with 4.5 lift, I have a knocking sound coming from around tc but only happens when I let off the accelerator and goes away when it's under pressure, could this be the reason, should I put a TC drop on?

[@OutJeeping]

That could be the slip yoke splines being dry. I've had this issue before on my jeep. You just need to pull the rear drive shafts off and grease the splines or put antiseize on them.

[@jameschildress8989]

@@OutJeeping thanks I'll try that and see if it helps

[@nushi-ching852]

Can I do a Tcase drop without having a lift? Cuz I have vibration when over 50

[@ta.entmoney3405]

Probably u joints

[@alexmagers6595]

new to this task - can someone explain the jam nut thing in layman's terms?

[@JoseTorres-uk2lv]

Even after installing the trans case drop kit, I still get vibration on the highway. I have a 3.5 trailer master lift on my 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With stop tires and rims. My suggestions on what it can be

[@OutJeeping]

Might be the front shaft vibrating, as you drop the case the angle will get worse for the front, I would remove the front shaft then test drive and see.

[@JoseTorres-uk2lv]

It’s the rear not the front any suggestion?

[@OutJeeping]

@@JoseTorres-uk2lv Could be bad pinion angle or bad u joints

[@KJsProjects]

@Jacob Howell ZJs have coils on all four corners.

[@KJsProjects]

@Jacob Howell no problem, easy to do! Just didn't want someone else to read this and order the wrong stuff/ do the wrong thing.

[@RobJob110]

How come you don't have to do anything with the 4wd shifter? Is it cable instead of linkage or something??

[@OutJeeping]

It's a linkage, as long as the transfer case drop does not exceed over an inch or so, the linkage will move with it and should still operation efficiently as long as all of the linkage bushings are in good shape.

[@RobJob110]

@@OutJeeping thanks for the info! Got my kit in the mail yesterday, I'll be installing next week.

[@maronroth]

If I'm doing a 2" coil up front and a 3" leaf spring in the rear (used so theyve allready settled" do you think I'll needa t-case drop?

[@OutJeeping]

Most likely, anything over an inch in the rear you may encounter vibrations but every vehicle is different. Either tcase drop or SYE kit is the way to go.

[@mindorios]

Is a tc drop necessary on a 3.5" lift xj?

[@OutJeeping]

More than likely yes

[@damonfleming2695]

I used rubicon express 3.5" and I had to

[@gatordave6629]

Do you know how thick these pucks are i got a 3.5 inch lift

[@OutJeeping]

These Rouch Country pucks are 1.25" thick.

[@gatordave6629]

@@OutJeeping i have a quick question for yah I've been trying to figure out a issue for a while maybe you've heard of your the only one who seems to reply to your subscribers

[@OutJeeping]

What question you got?

[@dominionn09]

I'm really having a hard time getting the stud out. The bottom bolt just falls off when I turn the top

[@OutJeeping]

If it strips out you may need to cut it off flush and drill and tap.

[@hectorsilvas6426]

dominionn09 did you end up finding out how to take it off ?

[@dominionn09]

Hector Silvas Yeah I didn't have the jam nut nearly tight enough. You have to really put some ass in it👍

[@trytobereal8635]

Irwin has stud extractors at oreilly. Kinda steep at 30$ but saved me a couple times. Including those damn studs. Came right out with the extractor.

[@craighutchinson5045]

question: 2WD - '01 - XJ, 3.5 RE lift ----- vibes when I let off gas ---- installed a 6* shim, still have vibes. new u-joints on OG shaft. my question is, if I do the drop, isn't that my only solution since no has made a custom driveshaft to address this issue on 2WD XJs? I see that you say this is a temporary fix, and that you should do an SYE, but SYE is not an option for 2WD. Do you think there will be any bad long term effects since you say this should only be a band aid fix?

[@ethangay8435]

4x4 swap it

[@HarryJVaughn3]

I know every Jeep is different but just seeing if anyone had any experience with getting vibration with only a 3" lift on an XJ. Would like to avoid the transfer case drop down if possible.

[@kjswifty2682]

I just lifted my jeep 3 inches and it vibrates around 60mph, I think a transfer case drop is in our future.

[@jaybourbon8608]

I was under the impression that when we drop the TC we need to also use angle shims on th erear axle to compensate the same angle in return?

[@OutJeeping]

Only if the the pinion angle is not the same angle as it is from the transfer case. Those angles need to be the same for slip yoke drive shafts.

[@jaybourbon8608]

@@OutJeeping Ok so I just did a 3" drop. I am having noise coming from my TC now. I was advised to do a TC drop but I am not sure how far to go with it. Any suggestions?

[@OutJeeping]

@@jaybourbon8608 Transfer case drops shouldn't go further than an 1.25" otherwise the front shaft suffers from the extreme angle and will vibrate at speeds

[@jaybourbon8608]

@@OutJeeping thanks for the response. I'm seeing a lot of kits that come with 1.5in. Spacers and I felt that was too much for a 3" lift. Should I start with 1"? Think I'm gonna just stack some grade 8 washers on each side. Suggestions?

[@OutJeeping]

@@jaybourbon8608 Oh It sounded like you dropped the tcase 3". Yeah it was either 1.5" or 1.25" drops they had out there but i wouldn't go more than that. You could stack some washers and find out where the sweet spot is and then order a kit to however low you have it. When I had my tcase drop I was on a 4.5" lift with a 1.25" drop with no issues other than the front shaft vibrating at 70mph.

[@richlee2576]

Has this caused any other issues? Have seen comments from individuals indicating that a transfer case drop can cause motor mount problems.

[@OutJeeping]

I've had problems with it causing front driveshaft vibes because it makes the angle worse for the front and i've heard other people having problems with bad motor mounts. It's not an upgrade I wouldn't recommend but works in a pinch till you get an SYE.

[@JacobEcret]

But doesn’t this put strain on your motor mounts? Because now your motor is on an angle

[@OutJeeping]

It can, I haven't experienced any cracking or such in the motor mounts first hand. But I do recommend an SYE kit if possible. This T-case drop is more of a band aid fix in my opinion.

[@JacobEcret]

@@OutJeeping I agree with you, sye is more of a professional fix.

[@DKoutdoors-]

My studs wont come out

[@nicholasrohde771]

Nice video! Maybe try to show just a little bit of emotion, I am suspicious you might be a robot😂

[@OutJeeping]

Haha i'm trying to in my newer videos. This was an older video I have done on another channel and I have learned a lot since then.

[@michelantoniomorin2201]

Still a good Video Austin

[@larrybettencourt5641]

That’s going to throw your engine alignment off and transmission alignment off and lower in the back of it not smart

[@OutJeeping]

Agreed, that's why I think of it as a temporary solution till a SYE kit gets installed.

[@jeffhicklin4653]

This guy doesn't know what he's talking about. The transmission will not fall on your face.

[@OutJeeping]

The only other thing that's kindve holding it up is the t-case shift linkage. And if your bushings for your shitbox are shot it'll pop out and keep falling. But since you know it all guy, go take your chance.

[@OutJeeping]

Proof here kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJ_QmWmqjK13gM0