How To Install an SYE - A Comprehensive Guide - Rough Country

In this video, Matt from BleepinJeep will show you how to install a Rough Country SYE or Slip Yoke Eliminator on the NP 231 Transfer case. I've done my best to make this a comprehensive guide with every possible scenario you might encounter while installing an SYE. This happens to be an NP231 transfer case from a Jeep Cherokee but should be the similar if not the same for Jeep Wranglers like the YJ, TJ, and JK or any other vehicle with a NP or New Process Transfer Case, although I'm not sure exactly how the NP242 differs. I hope this helps you on your install! Remember that the point of an SYE is to eliminate the slip yoke style driveshaft and therefore you will also need to purchase a new correct length double cardan driveshaft to install after the SYE.
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All Of these Lift related videos brought to you by Rough Country
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Lift Components:
Pitman Arm- • How-To Remove a Pitman...
Sway Bar Links- • Sway Bar Disconnect In...
Track Bar- • How-To Install a Track...
Sway Bar Stud Removal- • Stuck Sway Bar Stud Re...
Long Arms- • Longarms Install - Rou...
Coil Springs- • How-To install Coil Sp...
Front Shocks- • How To Install Front S...
Remove a threaded stud- • How-To Remove a Stud
Front Brake Lines- • How-To Install New Fro...
Assemble Adjustable Joints- • How To Assemble Adjust...
Cross Member- • How To install a Long ...
Transfer Case Skid- • Rough Country Transfer...
Tie Rod- • How To Change a Tie Ro...
Steering Stabilizer- • How To Install a Steer...
Rear Brake Lines- • How To Install Rear Br...
Rear Shocks- • How To Install Rear Sh...
Leaf Springs- • How To Install New Lea...
Shackles- • How-To Install Shackles
More RC:
SYE- • How To Install an SYE ...
Driveshaft- • Double Cardan Drivesha...
Diff Cover - • RC Diff Guard Armor In...
Front Bumper - • Rough Country Front Wi...
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This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.
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[@rcdiggs8875]

6 years later and still one of the best videos out there for this job...

[@bradfordjeff]

He's still stuck under the Jeep though.

[@calebberglund53]

@@bradfordjeff hahahaha nice one

[@atombom8214]

I'm just now doing this so I'm stoked for such an excellent video.

[@AW-xv7dq]

some people have a knack for teaching some don't You sir are very proficient at it Thanks

[@vonJaerschky]

Finally installed an SYE and Adam's driveshaft in my 91XJ. This video made me much more confident in being able to do the job. I did it with the transfer case in the Jeep. I have a 3" lift and 30" tires, and it was no problem getting underneath the Jeep to work on it (I'm a big guy). I had no issued doing the install with the transfer case still in the car. I'd do it that way again for sure. And talk about SMOOTH!!! All the vibes are gone, no clunks, just awesome smoothness. This was well worth doing. Thanks again for the video, BJ!

[@BioVic78]

I'm going to try it your way of leaving the TC on the XJ. I don't want that TC falling on me like it did on him... lol

[@basshunter428]

Just a note: When seating bearings it's always better to start/drive it in with something that surrounds to bearing case (they sell bearing/seal installer kits). If you absolutely have to do it with the "tap and spin" method, use a brass/bronze bar as it is a lot softer than the bearing housing. Great vid! 👍

[@jargonstarcraft9157]

This video is a perfect example of why I love this channel. Thank you so much for the upload. Fantastic content.

[@bleepinjeep]

Jargon StarCraft sure, glad you like it!

[@WEESHBONE]

I’m really grateful for all your Jeep insight and information. I actually tell anyone that has a Jeep problem or question to look you up on KZbin. You rock!

[@mpeugeot]

Matt, thanks so much for this video, made doing this job on the TJ a breeze. I was tempted initially to do a hack and tap, but this is really the way to do the job. On the 98 TJ 231 that I had, I didn't have the needle bearings (as you suggest in the video it's a pre-98 thing). For others thinking about doing this, definitely dropping the transfer case is the right answer. The only change that I would make from Matt's directions is to disconnect the transfer case lever from the transfer case (using the nut as opposed to pushing the rod through the linkage. Also, I believe that the rubber spacer goes under the yoke, not over it. Once again great job with this video!

[@MacSilvey]

this is easily the best channel on KZbin!

[@bleepinjeep]

Mac Silvey thanks!

[@tomd1939]

I've comented on this video before, but I just wanted to say thank you. I just got done swapping in a SYE from a junkyard 231 that I plan to put in my xj to replace the 242 that's in there now. and I never would have thought I could've done the SYE swap (or even pulled the transfer case) until this video. thanks Matt

[@TheMuddman74]

Dude why would you swap a 231 for a 242?! The 242 is so much better because of all the options it gives you. Don't get me wrong the 231 is solid like the 242 but with less options. Most people want a 242 instead of a 232

[@goodmuzik419]

Love your videos, I watch them multiple times before replace anything

[@chiggyjiggy7019]

Pulled my t case apart yesterday with help from this video.

[@Nothingtoya]

Oh man, you really had me thinking the transfer case was heavy.

[@1917Enfield]

I found that the front driveshaft from a 1994 Grand Cherokee with a V8 engine is a perfect fit to replace the stock drive shaft on my XJ with this SYE. If you pick one up at a junkyard, have it completely rebuilt at a good drive shaft shop.

[@cablenowadays6586]

The factory XJ front driveshaft will work in the rear. Ive been running one for years and I can carry a extra yoke and shaft and be able to fix the front or rear if one breaks.

[@nikthepunisher6255]

My most favorite KZbin channel, I love xj or zj videos.

[@RoughCountryTV]

Great video.

[@JustinWallaby]

Great timing Matt. I was just about to do an SYE on my 2000 xj. It was going to be my video submission. It's ok though because I'm doing a head and gasket replacement on mine due to a cracked head (0331 casting). I think that can be my video submission then. Keep doing what you are doing. This is the best KZbin channel for anyone that has an XJ!

[@TheCzechmate007]

When I was a mechanic, I used to freeze the bearings in the freezer before placing them in their seat. They would just pop in without any hassle...

[@ChewieAndChico]

How did you have the time?

[@TheCzechmate007]

@@ChewieAndChico What do you mean? You know you are going to change the bearing, so you place it in the freezer an hour or two before you need to put them in... no waiting time involved...

[@richardeberline3585]

Its called sweating in the bearings

[@TheCzechmate007]

@@richardeberline3585 thanks, didn't know it had an English idiom...

[@ChewieAndChico]

@@TheCzechmate007 I come from a production shop. When the bearing comes in from the parts store, it goes in. I don't have time to put it in the freezer lol

[@RWH9mm]

Awesome video I just bought a xj 2 wheel drive I plan on converting it to a 4x4 all of your videos have been very helpful wish me luck. And I look forward to seeing more.

[@joemercurio9456]

Wow this is a way bigger process then I was expecting. I was going to order one of these soon for my lifted xj but I'm not sure that'd Id be able to put all this back together properly lol

[@bleepinjeep]

Joe Mercurio just invite some friends over and set up the bigscreen in the garage with bleepinjeep on.

[@ericmcelroy4156]

Great video! Was going to do a hack n tap but now thinking this is a way better option. Thanks Matt!

[@jasonthomas3015]

Matt ,just did my s.y.e on my 97 wrangler . Love you're videos . I apriciate theam very much brother. Thanks for helping get me back on the trails. Much love 👊🏼

[@spitfire7738]

Sweet timing; my SYE is supposed to be delivered today and I was going to search if you had an SYE video anyway.

[@bleepinjeep]

Spitfire 77 awesome timing!

[@mikester9er]

Same here, I was lucky to see that this video was posted just 5 days ago!

[@kylecochran5088]

Please do a rear main seal video!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!

[@battlejack1863]

nice they came up with this improvement to eliminate that damn harmonic balancer

[@vonJaerschky]

Best SYE video I've seen yet, and I think I've watched them all now, getting ready to install in my 91 XJ. Great to see this video featuring the old style NP231 with the needle bearings, like mine. Thanks!

[@ronvandyke2484]

I recently purchased a 91 xj (limited) and I'm in the process of fixing it up. How was your SYE experience? Any hindsight is 20/20 scenarios?

[@edwardpoland7209]

How dose it hold

[@martintaylor984]

Best DIY videos on KZbin I think!!!

[@bleepinjeep]

no thinking about it;)

[@marka.2715]

Hack-n-tap all the way! lol Great detailed video. If I go this route on my next build I know where to find good info. Keep up the great work and videos.

[@bleepinjeep]

Ahh, it's not so bad.

[@marka.2715]

Probably not. I am just lazy sometimes. My hack n tap is holding up well though so far.

[@swinjesse6236]

Best explanation video on how to fix stuff,outstanding job. Two dumps up and job well done.

[@absentmindedful]

Damnit ... I am diggen the knuckle guard on that punch... Oh, great video.

[@redsock9378]

Great video with outstanding explanations on how to do this. But it also persuaded me to have a shop do......I know my limitations!

[@michaelbennett9296]

@16:05 It looks like it might be a good idea to thread the yoke nut onto the output shaft, just in case the needle bearings don't have enough room to press out and you mushroom the main shaft.

[@rileyblizzard2]

i just did this and put the rtv on the cases and locktite and torqued the bolts was about ready to put it back in the yj realized i forgot the spring so i had to take it all apart again hooray! also i hate snap-rings with a passion

[@andrdwboldt4014]

Helps a whole lot if you put the barrings in your freezer because metal shrinks in the cold but just leave in in there for an hour or two then it just slides in no hammering needed

[@rudyterry5075]

I know you're really busy with Camacheep but I got that passenger side top nut off with a stubby 9/16 wrench👍

[@grantdisser560]

New bleepin jeep shirt quote, "I don't know if you can see that or not"

[@Dieselfumes1982]

Yep still the best

[@jimmykosko]

That was really a good video, getting ready to see what's wrong with mine... sounds like my chain or bearings are bad. Still goes into 4 wheel drive, but makes that sound of a chain just running lose... or something worse. Either way you made me feel like I can tackle this... fingers crossed. Thanks

[@unidentifiedbomb]

"Bombproof" from RC is a bold move, let's see how it plays out cotton!

[@Nothingtoya]

unidentifiedbomb I'm sure it'll be fine but I won't be buying one from them. I made that mistake with my lift kit and plan on changing all of the RC stuff out.

[@salami99]

@@Nothingtoya Damn, RC that bad? I heard there better now but i still avoided them and got a Rubicon express Sus lift

[@spittinimage100]

@Salami most of the steel parts in most lift kits are the same quality. Most of the time you are paying for better shocks in the higher end kits. RC is not bad quality just their entry level shocks suck...

[@salami99]

@@spittinimage100 My mechanic told me it has to do with bushing in lift kits, the quality of that and rought country at least use to be much worse. So did rubicom epxress, it use to sag after a few years. I think overall china got better but I Still read forums on people complaining about RC ride quality and suck.

[@uncleben03]

When I did my SYE, putting that snap ring retainer back on the output shaft to keep the gears on was the biggest pain in the ass too!

[@longhorn8459]

uncleben03 me too. I had an old set of snap ring pliers and they were a challenge. Anyone doing this I would suggest buying medium to large sized pliers from a good brand to make this a breeze!

[@geraldhoward6881]

Great video Working on a 2001 tj Many thanks

[@MrSrtman18]

Thanks for the breakdown Matt!

[@bleepinjeep]

Any time!

[@Adrenalineoffroadad]

Thanks bleepinjeep best informational video and so funny when you pull out the transfer case lol

[@garygeorge460]

A good impact wrench works great.

[@SomethingClever80]

thanks very much!, I trust your judgment I've been on your KZbin page for a while now looking @ all your vids & you know your Stuff!

[@nissan300ztt]

"Oh god thats heavy" I say thay every time I take a leak!

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I always use a vehicle ramp and 2x4 to slide transfer case up and down. Stock jeeps may have trouble getting ramp under it.

[@dimitrimotor2861]

okay great to know that last one too well I know a lot of things can come in handy

[@colekmiller1]

“… and then, 150 ft lbs” *fckn sends it with an impact* 😂

[@gregjones8679]

This is perfect, Im ordering my SYE next week. Thank you!

[@bleepinjeep]

Greg Jones dont forget the driveshaft as well.

[@gregjones8679]

Definitely! It makes all the difference.

[@uhhhhNick]

"ohhhh hoo hoooo oohhh god thats heavy!!"

[@TheVgonman]

reminds me of pee wee herman in Buffy... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3m5mZKJbrN6f7c

[@ddcraun]

Lol....thank god it didn't have an np205!

[@chuckybrenaire6023]

Great Enjoy your videos! Greetings from the Philippines.

[@ddcraun]

Dude, get a bearing and seal driver and some deadblow hammers.

[@Abernathy1162]

Excellent Video. Thanks Matt

[@bulletproofpepper2]

Thanks for sharing. I need to do this up grade. Mine is a 1997 dodge Dakota and it uses the same transfer case or one very similar. Great video.

[@JoshChizzy]

If you put a lift on your truck then yes.

[@bulletproofpepper2]

yes it is lifted

[@JoshChizzy]

+sam yeates A SYE is recommended for all lifts as it changes the angle of the shaft. I'd do it if I was you. If you don't, you can get some wobbles from the drive shaft that'd eventually break apart.

[@JoshChizzy]

+sam yeates A SYE is recommended for all lifts as it changes the angle of the shaft. I'd do it if I was you. If you don't, you can get some wobbles from the drive shaft that'd eventually break apart.

[@RM-jx6el]

Wish I saw this video before changed my YJ. Would have made the process much easier with cutting the shaft and pressing out the needle bearings.

[@DylanFahey]

Donated $20 for your insulation project !

[@bleepinjeep]

Dylan Fahey awesome, thank you sent!

[@ebutuoy8272]

Awesome vid. Looking at doing this my XJ in the near future =)

[@samshipps]

For some reason I didn't have to cut that stud down, mine at its highest point was at one inch. Hopefully I did it right!

[@paulatreides2325]

I use a brass hammer to seat bearings. It stops any dimpling of the race.

[@nrhicks565]

Very detailed. Great job.

[@EvanMoon]

I really like your crazy hats

[@zackarychadwick5130]

For anyone wondering the pliers are called lock ring pliers

[@aslacker]

I have never seen anyone add RTV on the yokes before, but I guess oil could travel down the splines.

[@nazigrammar9728]

No, I think it's the stupidest idea to use rtv over there

[@conradsenior5843]

Thanks. I am about to do this.

[@eriks4335]

I can’t believe that you out RTV in the splines of the yokes.

[@concon8397]

I did it with out removing it BTW

[@jedmeltonmusic698]

Aren’t you suppose to let the rtv set up a bit before you torque it all the way down?

[@Cheflion882]

like this makes my job so easyer

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Nothing on my 1991 jeep xj case looks like this tag says its a 231j the speedo is way different tale shaft is very different

[@coachgeo]

crazy idea... take a standard SYE kit.... but cut end and install a hack-n-tap it......would it end up with enough of longer drive shaft to be worth it?

[@dannykyle738]

When installing the new bearing shouldn't it be better to use a piece of wood over it and hit the wood with the hammer? That's what I've always done when installing any sort of bearing.

[@pitbullgamer8116]

You should of did the 2wd lie range kit too

[@thefrugaljeeper4054]

It looks difficult. But well worth it. How much will it cost to have it done at a shop?

[@jeeperalainbigal]

Very nice video !

[@raudelillo]

Hello. Awesome video. My speedometer is a little off because im running on 33's. However I'm soon upgrading my gearing to 4:10 and it will be waaaay off. Can it be calibrated installing the gear you mentioned?

[@soldierboy425]

Six 9/16 bolts. 2 of which are a pain to get loose, and one that is next to impossible without dropped the exhaust...

[@dembrowi_n_c.5111]

as long as you don't have locking hubs the transfer case will always spin at the same or close to the same rate as the main shaft. Does that make it ok to not run bearings in the hi-lo gear? what about jeeps with warn hubs, does that increase wear. Popping the bearings out just kinda seems wrong to me

[@fluffymyster2]

What snap ring tool did you use

[@jstans01]

the drama @ 3:30... Classic!

[@feellnfroggy]

Hold that u joint yolk with a big ol pipe wrench to remove the yolk

[@enkneegivendaze1246]

feellnfroggy tell em snowman

[@enkneegivendaze1246]

[@CankleLock]

What if you don’t have a press for those needle nose bearings and have a 96 xj?

[@autotek7930]

Also is there a reason y'all used the red silicone? Over the years I've always seen the red leaking no matter what it's on....I use the ultra grey on everything and zero leaks even after years of service.

[@AdmiralOffRoad]

Hey Mat I'd like to join the bleepin jeep team. My channel has some of my XJ videos. Next one will be rock sliders and unibody stiffeners. Let me know what you think! @bleepinjeep

[@bleepinjeep]

Admiral Off-Road pm sent!

[@darrentylor5473]

Awesome!

[@randomritchie]

After about a year from sye install I have about 1/4 inch of lateral play on the rear output shaft. Any ideas?

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Why the RTV on the yoke and Yoke nut ?? Just never seen that step before ?? Thumbs up for ya though ...

[@bleepinjeep]

ShawnMrFixit Lee As per the instructions, I guess it's one more layer of leak stop protection.

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

That silicone can get in the way of the shaft seal and cause a leak though !

[@SED8TED_C7]

great video

[@Turkish20]

Hey Matt and bleepin jeep crew! I am looking at installing a 3" rough country lift with new leafs and coils and 31" tires. Is a SYE required or not? I read different views on this. Same thing with lower control arms and brackets for sway bar. Thanks!

[@liamaaronduran]

Well it's not really a slip yoke is it in the original one? The yolks are captured to the shaft with that large 28- 32 mm nut? At least on my 2018 jku both sides yoke is captured with a nut I believe.

[@BlackMountainOffroad]

They are still called snap ring pliers bro.

[@oldcarjunky]

hello Matt im repairing my wife's wrangler front axcle and replaceing the tranfer case the steering box and front suspension parts. I made a video with my phone showing the damage .iam gat hearing replacement parts now. that video is posted on my channel now repair video's will be coming as I get the parts. PS, l watched your challenge video's with Matts off road recovery. and Holly with mischief maker it took Matt out of the sand to mud tocks and tember country. please fill free to take a look at my wife is heart broken video showing damage to her jeep she got it brand spanking new in 2004.it is her second wra gler she love to ride with her top of. LOL she is cool like that .l hope to have her jeep back together for her 60th. birthday in july 2023.

[@autotek7930]

Can you use your stock driveshaft with this kit? Also where y'all get good driveshafts at?

[@MaverickXeo]

I did the same thing when I took out my NP231... dropped it on myself haha

[@dougbarnes6101]

Been easier to put that tube on before putting the other half on. Looks like a pain in the butt to do it at the end.

[@hellcat1988]

You should never drive a bearing or outer race of a two part bearing with a hammer like that. Get the aluminum tool. It may not seem like it'd be worth it, but they are cheap and make a world of difference when driving races and seals into place to prevent damage. They can also make it much easier to get an old bearing out without damaging the bore. Also, while I applaud your restraint with the silicone, I still believe it's best to buy a sheet of gasket material and cut a gasket profile that will fit instead.

[@kbehr420]

Was going to say the same, a socket the size of the bearing works but I like using a bearing race press kit from harbor freight just flip it to the flat side and tap with a dead blow hammer I also like using a piece of thick cardboard to prevent blemishes on the bearing or race

[@berylbarker2255]

Matt, What is the idea behind changing the housing and putting in a longer drive shaft??

[@bleepinjeep]

Beryl Barker The SYE changes the driveshaft from a slip yoke type to a better double cardan type at the same time lengthening the driveshaft and getting a getter less steep angle.

[@fj60driver]

I don't understand why you would put RTV on a yoke that doesn't have it on from the factory.

[@pahasapaman]

You had an impact, but used a breaker bar to remove the Yoke?

[@msc1064]

Do you use the old drive shaft? If so what do you have to do to modify it?

[@nate5102]

Good video , makes me cringe when people use orange rtv though . Use grey or black 👍🏻