98 TJ transfer case "rumble" noise

[Noradin]

Hey all. I purchased a 98 TJ 4.0L manual last Aug and put a RE 3.5 inch lift, 3 inch body lift with 1 inch T-case drop. I'm rolling on 35 inch MT Bajas. Since this build I have what I can describe as a rumble noise when I initially start out. This noise is only there on roll out, after that everything sounds good. I have narrowed it down to the T-Case. When I adjust the T-case Shift linkage so I can push on the stick and put pressure on the linkage the noise disappears on roll out. This noise is only present in 2 wheel drive. 4 High and low is nice and quiet. I have adjusted this damn linkage every way today and I just can't seem to eliminate the noise. But when I push on the stick, no noise. The linkage is tight, there is no excess play or sloppiness in the linkage itself. However this was not present when the Jeep was stock with the stock linkage.

Honestly this does not bother me a single bit, but I have recently purchased a house 30 minutes south of Calgary and commuting the Jeep daily is killing me in gas, so I am contemplating selling the Jeep, but the noise will discourage potential buyers.
Has anybody dealt with or heard of this issue? I figure I will ask here first as my next step is to pull the T-case and tear it apart.

Thanks in advance

Trevor

[Immortal]

I believe that some people have run into the same type of issue whenever a body lift of more than 2" have been installed. That is probably the culprit, hopefully someone can confirm this. I drive a dirty unibody, so I do not have any actual experience with this sort of problem, just going off of memory.

[Noradin]

Thanks, Maybe I will take the 1 inch T-Case drop kit out and see if that changes anything.


Trevor.