Ep. 12 Is Your Jeep XJ Shaking? Try This Pinion Angle Fix!

How to Set Up Your Jeep Cherokee XJ Driveline Angles After a Lift Kit (No More Vibrations!) 🚙 In this classic XJtalk.com episode, host Tony Muckleroy is joined by tech expert Steve Howard (4.3LXJ) for a detailed masterclass on fixing driveline vibrations on lifted Jeep Cherokees. Steve walks through the complete process for setting proper driveline/pinion angles on both stock slip-yoke and Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) setups. Whether you're running a 4" or 4.5" lift (or higher), this episode gives you the exact steps, tools, and measurements you need. ### Topics Covered: - Why lifted XJs get driveline vibrations and how to diagnose them - Measuring transfer case and pinion angles with an angle finder - Proper shimming technique (when and how much) - Stock single U-joint vs. SYE/CV driveshaft geometry - Leaf spring pack design: single-stage vs. two-stage springs explained - Tips on shackles, spring rates, flex, and load-carrying ability - Real-world advice from decades of building custom lifts A must-watch for any XJ owner who's dealing with shakes at speed, death wobble concerns, or planning their next lift. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 Show Opening and Guest Introduction 01:35 Steve Call and Ironman Sponsorship 03:32 Audio Check and Steve's Off‑Road Experience 05:21 Driveline Angle Topic Introduction 06:30 Understanding Driveline Angle Limits and Vibration 12:56 Measuring Angles with an Angle Finder 15:15 Extended Shackle Effects and Shim Adjustments 16:07 Speed‑Related Vibration and Death Wobble 17:07 Driveline Disconnection and Strap Considerations 19:26 Measuring Transfer Case Angle and Podcast Resources 22:56 Confirming Transfer Case Five‑Degree Angle 23:00 Pinion Angle Measurement Procedure 24:00 Single Yoke Eliminator Angle Setup 26:58 Calculating Shim Size by Angle Subtraction 28:51 Determining Shim Placement Front or Back 31:38 Single U‑Joint Stock Driveline Procedure 33:49 Slip Yoke Eliminator Installation Method 40:21 Leaf Spring Types and Design Considerations 43:30 Transfer Case Choices for Dana 60 45:22 Leaf Spring Mounting and Lift Block Guidance 56:23 Show Wrap‑Up and Final Drive Angle Insights 57:14 Contact Info, Sponsorship Reminder, and Closing 🔧 Sponsored by Ironman 4x4 – Tough, adjustable control arms and suspension parts: https://ironman4x4fab.com 👉 Visit the full show notes, pictures, and technical thread: https://xjtalk.com If you're building, lifting, or fixing your XJ, drop your lift height and current setup in the comments — Steve and the XJtalk crew have seen it all! 👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 💬 Comment your questions #XJ #JeepCherokee #XJBuild #JeepLift #DrivelineAngles #PinionAngle #SlipYokeEliminator #JeepTech #XJTalk #OffroadJeep Visit our website: https://jeeptalkshow.com/ Watch/Listen on Spotify https://jeeptalkshow.com/spotify Join our Discord Server: https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Subscribe to our newsletter: https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Help Support the show via Patreon: https://jeeptalkshow.com/patreon