[Grego54]

2005 Rubicon, 2.5” lift, manual trans.
I have a pretty good vibration in the rear of the Jeep at around 60 mph.
purchased back in 2019 with the lift installed.
looks like a stock driveshaft, 2” drop pan spacers with a aftermarket unadjustable lower control arm. The upper rear control arm is stock.
I see doing some reading here, that the Rokman HD- rear adjustable upper control arm is very well talked about and highly recommended.
With getting rid of those spacers and lifting that skid plate up where it belongs, does it look like I better plan on a new Woods driveshaft Also?
thanks for the help.
Greg.

 

[Norminator]

Yes on the double cardan driveshaft. I solved my vibe issue with adjustable rear upper control arms. If you can, get double adjustable arms. It’s way easier to set your driveline angle. All my other control arms are stock.

 

[Norminator]

Here’s my journey Driveline vibes

 

[johncanfield]

If you want to get rid of the 'shovel' skid plate spacers, you need to do a motor mount lift to keep the drivetrain mostly aligned.

 

[Grego54]

Thank you very much Norminator for sharing your experience with me, big help!
Johncanfield,
What are shovel spacers? I can see some 2” spacers, but have nothing apart yet.
Thanks, Greg

 

[RubiconRic]

By shovel spacers he is referring to spacers that drop the transfer case skid plate (belly pan / shovel). They are used to compensate for a lift to eliminate the need for a new rear DS but introduce reduced ground clearance.

Are the vibes new or have they been there since 2019? If new and nothing has changed with your suspension / drivetrain then it would almost seem something has worn out.

If they've always been there, I second the suggestion for a MML and would add a 1-1.25" BL at the same time. Then you can see if the vibes are still there. If they are then you can get a new rear DS and adjustable rear arms. Rokmen, Savvy, and Rock Jock are all good. To Norm's point, double adjustable arms are very convenient for adjusting.

 

[johncanfield]

Ric beat me!

The "shovel" is the factory skid plate - shaped like a shovel so it can dig up rocks and dirt when you get high centered. In other words it's a terrible design for off-roading. When an inexpensive lift is done the spacers are used on that skid plate to keep the drivetrain somwhat lined up.

 

[Grego54]

Ok, I get it now.
There has always been some vibration there, but I believe the springs have probably settled down, and now it’s getting worse. I do not believe the lift installed is of any high quality. When I first test drove, I looked under looking for why the front end did not feel right going down the road. I noticed a 4” drop pitman arm that made no sense. Low balled the seller and he took the offer. switched the pitman arm to a 2” and the thing drove a lot smoother.
Right now, I’m just trying to make it drive down the road right without vibrating at higher speeds, using high quality parts. I’m going in soon for rotator cuff surgery and need 2 good rigs. Any more upgrades can come later.
Very nice looking low mileage Jeep. I would of posted a few picks but didn’t see that option.
thanks, Greg

 

[johncanfield]

Dropped pitman arms are prone to breaking - they were a very bad idea from the start.

 

[Fargo]

It could be a U joint is just in need of grease. A dry ujoint will cause a vibration. But the real solution is to get a double cardon driveshaft and raise the skidplate back up to where it belongs. Or better yet, do a tummy tuck and raise it even further. A body lift will be needed for this.

 

[Grego54]

After I Purchased one week ago, I get a Email from Rokemen that they are out of stock on the upper control arms and they are not sure if they will make any more.
what other supplier are ROF members happy with?
thanks, Greg

 

[Norminator]

Pricey, but I like my RockJock double adjustables. Only bought rear uppers.

 

[RubiconRic]

Yes I would also recommend RockJock (new brand name for Currie). Savvy Offroad also has double adjustable rear uppers but they are aluminum (using RockJock's johnny joints), so you'd need to paint unless you liked the look of the aluminum. Insignificant weight difference between the two.

 

[Grego54]

Thank you sir! And they have 20 sets in stock.
Greg

 

[johncanfield]

Currie (Rock Jock) is good stuff.

 

[xrevolver]

Thank you sir! And they have 20 sets in stock.
Greg

My buddy might need one for his new Rubicon project. It's in the shop for the installation of brake pads and tires from 4Wheelonline. Hope the kits are still available when he needs one.