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Tom
Wood's 231 Short Shaft Kit
Introduction
You've
just paid over a grand for a new suspension system that
was intended to significantly lift your trail rig -
a lift that would allow you to run larger tires, and
also help you reduce the amount of shiny spots made
on your undercarriage during four-wheeling. As you take
a step back to look at your newly transformed rockcrawler,
you can't help but notice the eye-catching new transfer
case crossmember spacers that lower your over-center
ground clearance nearly as much as your truck was supposed
to be lifted! (mild exageration) This suddenly makes
you feel very dirty. My friend, I feel your pain. There
is a solution to this problem!
The
solution comes in the form of a transfer case conversion
that allows you to run a longer rear driveshaft at less
of an extreme angle. In turn, this allows you to raise
your transfer case crossmember into its factory position,
buying you back the valuable ground clearance you lost
with the drop hardware installed. These transfer case
conversions, commonly referred to as "SYE kits"
(Slip Yoke Eliminator) or "Short Shaft" kits,
also allow you to run a "CV-style" or "double-cardan"
rear driveshaft. This shaft has a single universal joint
at one end, and a special double-jointed assembly on
the other end that allows you to run your rear driveshaft
at a steeper angle (ie: more lift) without incurring
driveline vibrations. Hence, more comfortable road travel,
and less wear and tear on driveline components. The
only hitch is you have to adjust your rear pinion to
be parallel with the slope of the connecting driveshaft.
This problem is usually easily overcome with axle shims,
adjustable cam bolts, or adjustable trailing arms.
This
month, we installed the new Tom Wood Short Shaft Kit
in a 231J transfer case on our 1999 Jeep TJ. I chose
the Tom Wood Short Shaft Kit because it is a cost-effective,
mechanically sound alternative to other kits on the
market right now... and believe me, with the skyrocketing
gas prices, Tom's "cost-effective alternative"
couldn't have come at a better time!
The
TJ we used for this install has an Old Man Emu 2"
suspension system. Although it is only a little over
2" of lift, the TJ had plenty of driveline vibrations
with its transfer case in its stock position and the
short shaft kit was a most welcome modification in order
to gain some valuable ground clearance. It also paved
the way for future modifications.
 Before
I continue, special thanks to Eric at Skid-Row
Automotive for performing the install for me, while
I documented the procedure. Skid-Row Automotive is the
manufacturer of high-quality Skid-Plates and Top-Props
for Jeep vehicles.
You
can obtain more pricing and background information on
Tom Wood's Short Shaft Kit by checking out last month's
Press
Release here on Rockcrawler.
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