96Z71

I'm wondering how hard it is to replace the rear end on a 99 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited V8 that has the Quadra Trac. It's not my vehicle but, a family member was hoping I could swap out the rear end and put in a junkyard rear end in.

He had it rebuilt at the dealer at 35K miles. And its about 35K miles after that and it's whinning pretty bad. The dealer said its out of warranty but said it was the wheel bearing (left rear) and he had his friend replace it and the noise is still there. His friend told him that the rear ends they put in these type of vehicles weren't strong enough for the vehicles and that he should find a heavier duty rear end at the junk yard.

I did goto school for auto mechanics but never replaced a rear end. I didn't go into the auto industry after school so I don't have access to a hoist. I'm sure this can be done in a driveway or a garage on jack stands though.

My main questions are: How hard and long will this swap take. Any suggestions on what rear end to put in place of the stock one? Is there anything else that this could be? I haven't seen the vehicle yet since it's about 8 hours from where I live. His friend did mention when he changed the rear end fluids that it looked like they put 10W 30 in the rear end instead of gear lube.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and fixed it? Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Mike

ol"blue

The way the WJ rear-axle attaches to the body using a 3-link (2 LCAs & 1 UCA shaped like an "A" with no track bar)- instead of a 5 link(2 LCAs & 2 UCAs with a track bar), you can only use an axle from a WJ unless you want to modify it.

96Z71

WJ stand for Wagoneer Jeep? I'm not too familiar with Jeep vehicles. Now if it were a Honda or Toyota I would know what you're talking about.

So, basically I can't swap it anyother rear end without any fabrication unless it's a stock rear end. How many hours do you think it would take? I'm probably going to call a shop and see what book time would be b/c my family member said like 3 to 4 hours and I thought it was too quick.

I appreciate all the help and advice since I'm not sure about this one.

Anyone know if this rear end problem is a common problen with Jeep GC's? What would cause it to wreck 2 rear ends? It's an in town vehicle not an offroad or abused vehicle that's what I can't figure out. Might be a lot of stop N go traffic since its in a big city.

Thanks again,
Mike

mobilecherokee4

WJ is the grand cherokees like you have

dlundblad

Im not sure if is does or not. I was told that the letters were just picked out for a specific AMC or Chrysler platform. I Believe the only one that actually means anything is the CJ... Civilian Jeep... and there is also the SJ which mean Full-Sized Jeep... but they are mosly called SJs.

Other ones include...

WJ- 1999-2004
MJ-any Comanche
XJ- and Cherokee
ZJ- 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee
JK - new Wrangler (I believe just the 4 door, but really have no clue)
KJ- old Liberty
WK 2005-2010 Grand Cherokee
TJ -Second Generation Wrangler
YJ- First Generation Wrangler
SJ- full -sized Cherokee
XK- Commander

Im sure there are more though.

ol"blue

Our "WJ" has the 4.7 V8, was purchased new and now has 86,xxx miles and has never had an issue with the rear axle. It's been used in town by my wife, on trips, for light towing, but it has never been off-road. Just my added two cents.

01LimitedXJ

from what i understand the codes are the first or last 2 letters on the body stampings. Not sure if they stand for anything, but thats what ive heard.

xj = cherokee
zj = grand cherokee (older model)
wj = grand cherokee (newer model)

Does the WJ come with the dana 44 aluminum rear housing? You may want to try a site like this:

http://www.car-part.com/

search for axle assembly, rear. you will need to know the gear ratio as well. (prices in TN range from 300-750ish just as an example) You may be able to find a full replacement that will bolt in. You could also try an overhaul kit. Bearings could be going on it.

seed

-putting engine oil in a rear would most certainly cause it to fail.
-wj does not stand for any specific words
-make sure you get a d44a out of a V8 wj so the gears will be the same and for ease of bolt-in...4hrs seems pretty reasonable to me for a straight swap

having said that,if in fact your sure it's the rear going bad there really is no reason to replace the entire axle.

96Z71

Like I said I havent looked at it yet. I was told a wheel bearing was replaced and it didnt help. So, would it be easier just to replace the ring and pinion gears instead of the whole works? Hard part would be aligning them right?

-Mike

ol"blue

If you install a complete used axle housing, you are getting used parts. If you have yours repaired you'll get only the parts you need, and they will be brand new with a warranty. JMO

seed

well,if you have no experience installing gears then,no, it won't necessarily be "easier". You will need special tools and it's no simple task. FWIW, I had the dealer rebuild a 44 diff on my jeep maybe 2 years ago,it cost $400...well worth it

dlundblad

I think they do

seed

yes,the D44A and the D35 are the available wj rears