Spring-Over-Axle Conversion
for a '95 YJ
Brief Instructions

Here are the quick and dirty instructions for installing an SOA lift with a slip yoke eliminator kit and CV driveshaft. For details, see my day-by-day description. As always, YMMV.

Both front and rear:

• disconnect pitman arm from steering box & tie rod
• remove shocks from vehicle
• remove driveshafts from vehicle
• disconnect front track bars from axles
• raise vehicle onto jack stands and remove wheels
• disconnect brake & vent lines from axles
• disconnect springs from axles
• disconnect springs from shackles & pull axles
• reconnect springs to shackles
• clamp springs together and reverse the center bolt

Front:

• bolt axle under springs with perches sitting loose on the axle
• position the pinion angle so that the perches are at exactly the same angle as the stock perches
• tack weld perches in place
• remove U-bolts
• finish welding perches to axle - tack welds aren't enough
• replace U-bolts & torque them down tight
• install new dropped pitman arm
• reconnect driveshaft to axle (might need to be lengthened 1")
• install raised track bar bracket and reconnect track bar
• reconnect extended vent line to axle
• install new, longer brake lines
• replace wheels and lower front of vehicle to the ground

Rear:

• bolt axle under springs with perches sitting loose on the axle
• replace wheels and lower vehicle to the ground
• position the pinion angle so that it points directly at the t-case output yoke when vehicle is at rest
• measure distance from center of pinion yoke to center of t-case output yoke, then give Tom Woods this number when ordering your new driveshaft
• install SYE kit per their instructions (leave it in the Jeep)
• lengthen drag link so steering wheel is correct when wheels are straight
• when driveshaft arrives, install it
• verify that the pinion angle is 1-2 degrees lower than the driveshaft angle
• tack weld perches in place
• remove U-bolts
• finish welding perches to axle - tack welds aren't enough
• replace U-bolts & torque them down tight
• reconnect longer vent line to axle
• install new, longer brake line

Later:

• drive slowly to somewhere you can max out your axle articulation, then measure for new shocks - max rear droop is obtained by lifting the rear end with a jack and hanging both rear tires in the air
• when shocks arrive, install them with the front upper mount eye adapters
• Enjoy your new-found altitude!

If you have questions about SOA or want to discuss it further with other folks, be sure to check out the Jeep Tech forum on our message board.