Are the front CVs on a CRD different from a gas KJ?

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:26 pm

I tried installing a Terraflex 2" OTT lift this weekend and discovered that the lift pushes the bottom of the strut assy into the CV on the left side, but basicly there is no way this lift is going to fit that I can tell and I was wondering if anyone out there has any experence with this type of lift on a CRD. I can't see how this lift could be installed at this point but I have read alot about This type of lift so obviously it must fit somehow(just not on my KJ) and Terraflex went so far as to make extended bump stops just because I brought up the issue of OTT style lifts bottoming out the strut.

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:46 pm

OTT Lifts in general have been problematic on KJs...especially full OTT Spacers. Make sure that you put the same strut on the same side and that it is turned the correct direction...but IMHO, I would get a refund and buy something else.

We do think that the CRD front diff is actually mounted a little lower than on a gas engine. Front diff collars that fit a 3.7l hit with a CRD and if you check the front driveshaft angle on a CRD compared to a 3.7L, it seems to have more of a downward angle. This will make the CVJoint s angles better on a CRD compared to a 3.7L.

Just get youyr money back and give AllJs a call or email. They will steer you str8 ... or ... look at the top of this section in the Stickys for better info.

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:49 pm

Ya well Terraflex is very happy with my money, anyone intrested in an OTT lift?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 2:52 pm

Universeman wrote:

Ya well Terraflex is very happy with my money, anyone intrested in an OTT lift?

You could cut off the top and bottom plates and use them as a smaller top plate ( using both pieces on each sice and throw away the middle section ) and then get the rest of your front lift by adjusting the clevis...or buy a small internal spacer.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:01 pm

I looked on one of the online Mopar parts sites a while back, and that site indicated a difference in the CV shafts for gas versus CRD. Not concrete evidence I know, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 3:06 pm

Plus Thanks to Terraflex I'm an liberty suspension expert, as I've had my jeep apart at least a half dozon times. First and formost an OTT lift will not work on a CRD, The Terraflex OTT lift isent a bad lift and they did add extended bumpstops which nobody else offers for an OTT style lift so kudos to them for that, yet I still feal hung out to dry by them because now I'm stuck with this lift that I can't use but that I purchased with the understanding that it was compatable with a CRD so I'm a little bent at the whole situation.

dog_party · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:53 pm

I'd be bent too. I can't believe they won't take it back. They sold you a product that does not perform the intended use that they advertised. :roll:

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 9:11 pm

I called Terraflex back and they are willing to to give me a refund which is great except for one thing, I want to keep the rear 2" spacer lift and the front bumpstops and they want the whole lift back, I'll let you know if I can work something out. I attached some photos of the problem area to clearly show where I'm having issues with the lift, just picture the bottom of the strut 2" lower and thats what this lift does, oh and I stopped by the dealer on the way home and there is a difference in length the CRD does have a shorter cv shaft.

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 9:14 pm

the pictures

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:26 pm

Universeman wrote:

I called Terraflex back and they are willing to to give me a refund which is great except for one thing, I want to keep the rear 2" spacer lift and the front bumpstops and they want the whole lift back, I'll let you know if I can work something out. I attached some photos of the problem area to clearly show where I'm having issues with the lift, just picture the bottom of the strut 2" lower and thats what this lift does, oh and I stopped by the dealer on the way home and there is a difference in length the CRD does have a shorter cv shaft.

The shorter shafts fit with the theory that the differential sits lower. They are more expensive too if I'm not mistaken.

bugnout · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:35 pm

If the shafts are shorter, does that mean CRD owners can replace the stock ones with the gasser CV shafts and get a taller lift with the same stance? How about OTT spacer to lower the top of the Strut, 2.5 spacer lift with the CRD springs, Al's A Arms, and gasser CV joints. maybe get an extra inch lift?

I'm sure there is more to it than that, but it brings up some interesting possiblities.

Universeman · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:39 pm

my guess is is that not only did they drop the diff but shifted it to the left as well, also just to be clear those shots are with the strut at the stock position with a clevis lift, no terraflex lift in the front.

Goglio704 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 27, 2006 11:40 pm

Bugnout,

Just having the differential lower makes it possible to lift higher, because the CV angles are a limiting factor. You raise an interesting point with the gasser shafts, and I'm sure somebody will try it.

W3CSX · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 12:37 am

The shafts are different too! I know the diff. was mounted lower. but the CV's shorter? So If I went with J. E. Reel replacements I can get even more range of motion out of it. I will have to get Jeepin Al to measurer a set for us and see.

Jason

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:05 am

The front diff is lower and to the left I believe...which means the drivers side is shorter and the passenger side...well if they extended the housing it could be the same size...If they used the same housing the shaft will be longer on the passenger side.

Those pics look like a clevis lift AND a spacer lift ( hard to tell, maybe no internal spacer ). We really need to see a shot of the thing on the ground to give any help. Did you put on OTT on top of the clevis lift?

Universeman · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:32 am

no I took the clevis lift out when I tried the OTT lift and yes there is a 3/4" spacer lift as well

OzLtd · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:21 am

Having the front diff slightly to the left does make sense as the bottom end of the CRD engine is much larger than the petrol. The petrol one has a really tucked up and brought back style of sump location if you know what I mean. I wonder how this would change things for a SFA conversion (for the CRD) ?

DarbyWalters · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 8:02 am

Universeman wrote:

no I took the clevis lift out when I tried the OTT lift and yes there is a 3/4" spacer lift as well

Well then the OTT loft was doomed from the start. A 3/4 inch internal spacer woud probably net you 1 1/4 inches of lift and then the 2" OTT would put you well over 3.5" of lift...

Universeman · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:20 pm

The actual thickness of the spacer is 1 3/4" which would give more then 2" of lift I think

Universeman · **Posted:** Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:26 pm

Also I've decided to pony up the dough for a Frankenlift :-D

but I'm wondering how much rear lift there is as the HD OME springs give 1.5" of lift but I beleive the lift is advertised as 2.5" of lift how does this work?

Are the front CVs on a CRD different from a gas KJ?

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