I finished most of the RE 5.5 kit on my TJ and have the rear driveshaft out right now and when I put it in 4 high and try and move the Jeep, the front drive shaft binds badly. I tried different pinion angles and the adjustments made no differenace at all. I pulled the front driveshaft and checked the ujoints and they are all fine. The funny thing is that it only does it when accelerating. Coasting with the cluch in it won't do it. Also I tried jacking up the Jeep by the front axle and put it in gear and it wouldn't bind then either. This kinda made me think it might not be the driveshaft, but the sound and feel of it make it seem like it is the DS. Any ideas on what it could be, or what should I try?

I thought the stock front TJ drive shaft was fine for even higher lifts than the RE 5.5?

Is it binding at the t-case side of the ds?

If you are not completely sure it is the ds, then remove the ds & see if the binding goes away.

If it is the driveshaft binding then yeah it is by the T-case where it binding, also I can't pull the front DS right now since I don't have the SYE for the rear till later on this week.

Originally posted by DetR6oit
If it is the driveshaft binding then yeah it is by the T-case where it binding, also I can't pull the front DS right now since I don't have the SYE for the rear till later on this week.

The stock shaft should be OK in theory. Just pull it momentarily and shine a flashlight up at the Yoke on the t-case. if it's binding there then you should be able to see some gouges and scatches on the yoke or DS ears. You can then clearance the Yoke/DS with a grinder if you need to. If you don't see anything then it isn't the DS binding.

You could also be slipping the chain in the 231. If you are running around w/o an SYE and w/o a rear driveshaft then you could easily lose the fluid in your t-case and burn up the chain. This results in popping and power loss very similar to binding.

*edit*

You did seal the rear output VERY well didn't you? You lose that fluid and burn up that chain and it definitely will act like it's binding as the chain slips over the teeth when you apply throttle. In Neutral while coasting your driveshaft is still turning and should be binding then also.

The rear output on the TJs 231 is completely sealed from the factory so it can't be that. I haven't been driving around with it yet either just moving it in my driveway it was binding.

Originally posted by DetR6oit
The rear output on the TJs 231 is completely sealed from the factory so it can't be that. I haven't been driving around with it yet either just moving it in my driveway it was binding.

My bad. Forgot about the splines that stick out of the back of them (YJ mistake). You should be able to see where it's hitting. Could just be a u-joint grease zerk catching on the ears/yoke (seen it happen, it'll break off)

My buddy has the same kit and zero problems w/ driveshaft bind ("chico" on this board)

Well I removed the grease zerks and it didn't make a differnece. Didn't notice any metal shavings or bare metal so maybe it isn't the drive shaft thats binding. Its confusing since it really sounded and felt like it was the DS.

Anyone else have any ideas? It looks like I might have to wait till I get the SYE later this week so I can pull the front shaft and try to narrow it down a little more. Thanks for trying to help guys.

I've got a 6" skyjacker. Never had any binding. Are you locked in the front ?? Even tire psi side to side. Maybe your locker? Did ya check your front u-joints??
If those are not it then try lengthening the uppers or and shorting the lowers to get the pinion pointed up more.
And if that don't do it, lengthen uppers and lowers to move the axle forward. Hope this helps:smokin: