
THE AUTO BUILDER
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Remembering Gene Winfield
The hot rod world just lost a titan—Gene Winfield, a guy who didn’t just customize cars, he straight-up reshaped the scene. Over seven decades of cutting, welding, painting, and innovating, Gene left behind a legacy that won’t ever fade, no matter how many coats of candy paint get sprayed in the future.

Driven Racing Oil: GP1 Racing Products
Driven Racing Oil, born from Joe Gibbs Racing, is formulated specifically for all-out race and high performance engines. What makes Driven’s products different? In simple terms, Driven’s products are unique because they always put the “Motor ahead of the Molecule”. While other oil companies are in love with chemistry and have no real world understanding of how the products are actually used, Driven keeps things in the proper order. The oil is for the motor, not the other way around. Driven’s product development team looks at the motor and how it is used; then they design application specific products using a “zero compromise” approach that delivers a measurable performance advantage.

AIR SUPPLY
Air conditioning is a luxury that most early truckers agree they can’t be without, especially when they reside in a hot part of the country. But those big, clunky compressors, huge receivers hanging below the dash, bulky hoses running all over the place and extra wires showing are some of the reasons why air conditioning has deterred hardcore rodders for years. Of course, Vintage Air has eliminated those concerns with an excellent add-on system that not only works well, but also coexists with your engine compartment and interior aesthetics.
Vintage Air has kits that are designed for specific applications as well as universal kits. Its kits provide all of the required mounting hardware, brackets, vents, hoses, fittings, ducting, electrical wiring and switches needed to get you through your project. If you have any problems, Vintage Air has a tech support line that is second to none. You have a choice of either the internet or telephone (weekdays only).
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Smooth Trails Ahead: Installing Skyjacker’s Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit for Your Jeep Wrangler TJ
Getting Bad Vibes from Your Jeep? Skyjacker has the solution for this and more!
Author
Brenda Summers
Photography by Arnold Hemedinger
Upgrading your Jeep for better off-road adventures sounds awesome, but sometimes it can cause unexpected problems. For example, when you install a Skyjacker Rock Ready-Double Flex Suspension Kit, you might notice your Jeep vibrating more than usual. That’s because the lift can mess with how the transfer case and rear axle line up. Luckily, Skyjacker has a solution called the Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) kit. It not only stops the vibrations but also makes your Jeep’s drive shaft stronger. In this guide, we’ll walk you through installing the NP 231 Short Shaft “Fixed Yoke” Kit. We’ll cover everything from the tools you need to important things to think about before you start. So, if you’re eager to boost your Jeep’s performance, keep reading to learn how Skyjacker can help.To improve your vehicle’s performance on trails and raise its clearance, we added a 6-inch Skyjacker Rock Ready-Double Flex Suspension Kit to the TJ’s suspension. However, this adjustment has a drawback: lifting the vehicle by just 2 inches causes the rear part of the transfer case to move up and away from the rear axle. This change increases the angle, causing a binding effect on the U-joints and creating vibrations throughout the vehicle’s driveline. This happens because the factory transfer case extends too far out and uses a drive shaft that’s too short. The vibration worsens as the suspension flexes away from the transfer case.
Solution
To fix this issue, replace the stock slip yoke with a slip yoke eliminator kit (SYE) that features a constant velocity (C/V) joint bolted to the back of the transfer case. Though dismantling the transfer case might seem daunting, don’t be discouraged from doing it yourself.
Benefits
Skyjacker’s Slip Yoke Eliminator (SYE) provides a 32-spline shaft instead of the stock 27 splines, boosting the torque capacity by 54%. This upgrade lengthens the output shaft and extends the drive shaft by 4.5 inches. These kits also feature an oil seal to prevent fluid leaks, and if the rear driveshaft fails, you can continue driving using front-wheel drive.
Kit Description
- NP 231 Short Shaft “Fixed Yoke” Kit
- Slip Yoke Eliminator Kit
- Project: 1998 TJ Jeep Wrangler
- Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Kit Components
- Tailhousing, Diecast
- Main Output Shaft
- Rear Yoke Seal Washer
- Rear C/V Yoke
- Rear Yoke Nut
- Front Yoke Seal Washer
- Speed-O-Ring Gear
- Snap Ring, 207 Bearing
- 207 Open Ball Bearing (No Snap Ring)
- Snap Ring, 207 Bearing
- Mode Retainer Ring
- Tailhousing Seal
Special Note
Installing this kit involves nearly dismantling the entire transfer case. If your transfer case has endured significant wear and tear, consider rebuilding it at this time. Before disassembling the transfer case, secure your transmission with a jack. You’ll also need to purchase a C/V type driveshaft to complete the installation. Skyjacker offers a pre-measured C/V Drive Shaft ready to install, or you can follow their instructions to have one custom made. Plan for a day to complete the installation.
Things to consider before you start
- Before disassembling the transfer case, label small containers into groups for easier clarification later.
- This kit is shipped with a rear 1310 series C.V. type yoke. You will need a C.V. equipped driveshaft.
- Have enough OEM fluids for installation.
- Follow your States’ guidelines for proper disposal of fluids.
- If you should get into trouble, call Skyjackers Tech-Support line for assistance.
- Wear safety glasses.
- Make sure to read the manufacturers instructions before attempting the install.
Tools Needed
- Safety Glasses
- Jack Stand
- Basic Mechanics Wrenches/Sockets
- Cut-off Saw or Hacksaw
- Pick
- Hammer
- 3/8″ and 5/16″ Allen Wrenches
- RTV Sealant or OEM Sealant
- Flat Chisel
- Snap-ring Pliers (C-clip and E-clip Type)
- Torque Wrench
- Gear Lube (OEM Recommended Fluid)
- Measuring Device (Ruler)
- Impact Wrench (if available)
- Clean Workbench
- 9/16 Wrench
- Diagonal Cutters
- Brake Cleaner or Suitable Solvent
ARTICLE SOURCES
Alpine Auto Werkstatt
2535 Rhea Co. Hwy.
Dayton, TN 37321
423/775-5959
Skyjacker Suspensions
212 Stevenson Street
West Monroe, LA 71292
318/388-0816









