2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Anyone with SKYJACKER 4.5" Please Read

[Bigstick]

Firts off this applies to quad cab long beds only. I installed my lift last september and lowered the carrier bearing about 1" there was only a slight driveline shudder. However, in January it was shot so I installed a new carrier bearing and lowered it abou 1. 5-1. 75" till all shudder was gone. Then I installed my Southbend Con-FE clutch about a month ago and everything looked great then I heard the same noise I heard in january and now another bearing was shot. Has anyone else had this problem when lifted or am I the dumby? Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Roadhogz]

I have a 4" custom lift with skyjacker control arms and custom made front coils. The rear has 2" steel block that I made in addition to the factory blocks. I have a slight vibration on take off nothing major. The skyjacker instructions calls for a 1/2" spacer for the carrier on a 4. 5" lift, if you feel vibration. Maybe you're lowering the carrier to low. Try the 1/2". I'll be doing the same in a few days. I'll let you know how it works out.

 

[John]

Just one of the pitfalls of having a lifted truck.



That's one of the reasons I vowed not to lift my Ram. I had been down that road before (in the '80s and early '90s) and decided I was sick and tired of chasing all the vibration (BTW, I drove nothing but manuals back then). Interestingly enough, I discovered that the same trucks with the same modifications with automatic transmissions had less vibration related problems. After some thought, I discovered that the torque converter was acting like a great big shock absorber to a degree.



Also, I must've had at least six different lift kits and variations under that rig before I finally eliminated the last of the vibration... which entailed a complete custom rear driveshaft (complete with a custom 1330 CV joint/slip yoke setup). Very trick and very expensive (even with my free machining labor).



Anyway, lesson learned!

 

[Roadhogz]

Hey stick, I did the 1/2" spacer today and guess what, no more vib. Mine is also a quad long bed, but automatic. Like I mentioned earlier, skyjacker instructions for a 4. 5" lift calls for a 1/2" spacer. Try it, if you haven't already.

 

[TomGolden]

I only have the SJ 2 1/2" lift kit, but have had zero driveline vibrations, noises or any other problem to date. Kit has been in for about 14 months and I'd say at least 30K miles.



Chris Sutton [csutton7] has the SJ 4 1/2" in his truck, it's a 99 long bed QC auto. PM him and ask his experience.

 

[csutton7]

I've never had a prob with mine---1" spacer at carrier bearing and theres a shim at each of the rear blocks--do you have the shims installed---chris