I had right at 6.5" of lift with my XJ without a SYE for a little while, but it did have a vibration and ate the ujoint at the back of the t-case. The SYE made a huge difference. I wish I had some time to help with the skids, but I'm really busy. I'll be wrenching Friday afternoon, but I'll be out of town on Saturday and have to work in New York City Monday through Thursday next week.
I really have a hunch i can get away without a SYE for a bit. We'll see. As far as the skids, Ill figure them out. Wish I knew who made them so I could do a google search. The front one seems to bolt up the same way Rusty's engine skid does so i should be able to get that.
if ya want stop by my house sat am and we can put everything in. i'll be watching my kids for a while, but my wife will be home at 2ish then we can go full tilt and do it all.
Paul, Kirk and I fiddled with the skid plates today, They really don't line up well with my setup. One of them looks as though it is close to fitting to cover the tranny pan, but would still need modification. The other (the TC skid we think) doesn't line up very well because of the TC crossmeber drop bars. However with some modification I think they will work. Haven't really tried the front engine skid, but it looks like its the cherokee up country stock skid, so it should bolt up. I would like to come up saturday, but only if you think we have time. Like I said I have to work at 4 in mystic, so I'd have to be leaving before 3pm.
. what do you think? I know you mentioned you have to watch the kids.