American Expedition Vehicles Tummy Tucker – TJ Wrangler NON-Rubicon - Manual (Page 6)

Installation Instructions:Tummy Tucker™ – TJ Wrangler NON-Rubicon
Nth30115 v4.doc page 6 of 11 Download @ www.nthdegreemobility.com
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
resting on the new isolators. By viewing through the t-case drain hole at the left-rear of the TT, observe
the amount of clearance between the lowest point of the t-case and the TT – you may use pieces of
steel, etc. of known thickness to gage the gap. If the gap is less than ¼”, you should add the thin 3/8”
fender washers to the top of each isolator (you will probably have to lower the TT skid to do this easily -
be sure to shim both isolators the same amount!). You will gain a little more clearance than the
thickness of washers you add – a 1/8” thick washer will give about +3/16” of additional clearance.
T-case Clearance Notes:
-
TT installations with an NV231-type transfer case as covered here do not require floor modifications.
- If you’re using a body lift and motor mount lift, you will probably need about 1/4” of washer-shims as
noted above to keep the t-case from resting on the TT skid.
- TT’s generally will not fit with a motor mount lift and no body lift – some transmission bellhousings will
hit the top-front of the tunnel. You *may* be able to make clearance, but Nth° does not consider this
a normal installation.
- ’03 TJ’s with the 42RLE 4-speed auto will usually require clearancing between the top of the
bellhousing and the floor/tunnel. There is a longitudinal rib on the top of the bellhousing that may
touch the lateral ‘pinch flange’ on the body where the dash panel (‘firewall’) meets the tunnel. The
body flange can be bent up out of the way using a long pry bar from the driver’s side. You will know
on the test drive if this area is rubbing!
Step 10: Attach Isolators to TT. With the powertrain
resting on the TT, check to see if the threaded holes in
the isolators are visible through the corresponding
countersunk holes in the TT skid. If they are not, jack up
the powertrain at the t-case output again to take some of
the load off of the isolators, then reach above the TT skid
and slide and/or twist them until the holes roughly line
up, then lower the powertrain fully onto the TT again.
Now align the holes enough to start the bolts by inserting
a small screwdriver though the TT holes and prying the
isolators as shown in figure 8 until each hole lines up,
then start a 5/16” flathead bolt by hand into the nuts on
each isolator. It helps to get one bolt started in each
isolator before trying to pry/align the other hole. Once all
four bolts are started, torque them to 25 ft-lbs.
Step 11: Adjust T-case linkage. Even though the t-case linkage relay rod position has been corrected
for the TT installation, you will still need to re-adjust the linkage for proper t-case shifting. Begin by
loosening the ½”-headed lock screw on the
upper link (the one attached to the lever coming
from the handle inside the Jeep – see figure 9)
– make sure that it slides easily on the rod.
Next, manually shift the t-case into 4-Low by
pushing the t-case-mounted lever all the way to
the back (you may gently confirm that it is
engaged by starting and running the Jeep a few
feet – but no driving! Make sure the in-cab
lever is in the 4-Low position, but has some
clearance to the back of the plastic bezel, then
re-tighten the lock screw. You can confirm
proper shifting after the install is complete and
repeat this procedure if necessary.