WJ knuckle swap?
#1
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Year: 1992
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Engine: I6 4.0
WJ knuckle swap?
Ok so I'm looking to do a Knuckle swap from a WJ to my 92XJ.
I already have OTK steering and track bar going on so I am set there, and I pretty much know what I need part wise.
So My question is instead of having to weld on 1/4" spacers to make the hub assembly fit, could I just pull the axel shafts out of the WJ i'm already taking apart? From my research i've gathered that it's the U-joint that is binding? So I would assume that the WJ axels would then be 1/4" shorter on each side and would be a direct fit, seeing as how they are both 27 spine axles from a D30.
Is that the case, or is it that the hub assembly for the XJ is just longer than the ones that come off of a WJ and I totally misread previous threads?
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
I already have OTK steering and track bar going on so I am set there, and I pretty much know what I need part wise.
So My question is instead of having to weld on 1/4" spacers to make the hub assembly fit, could I just pull the axel shafts out of the WJ i'm already taking apart? From my research i've gathered that it's the U-joint that is binding? So I would assume that the WJ axels would then be 1/4" shorter on each side and would be a direct fit, seeing as how they are both 27 spine axles from a D30.
Is that the case, or is it that the hub assembly for the XJ is just longer than the ones that come off of a WJ and I totally misread previous threads?
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
#2
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Year: 1994
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Engine: 4.0 H.O. K&N, Borla headers, custom down pipe, magnaflow hi-flo cat, flowmaster to turn down tip
actually the axleshafts are the same length, it is the hubs that are different. the WJ Dana 30 knuckles stick out a 1/4" less then the XJ ones. the hub then makes up for it by the mounting surface being 1/4" off center to make up for the pivot point of the u-joint and keep the axle the same length. here is a picture to show you what i am referring to.
WJ Hub on the left and XJ Hub on the right
XJ hub on the left, WJ hub on the right
WJ Hub on the left and XJ Hub on the right
XJ hub on the left, WJ hub on the right
#3
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Year: 1992
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Thanks for the info, I figured that was the case. I had just hoped that I was smarter than everyone else for a second I guess hahaha. Do you know If I will loose any strength with that spacers? I've heard that can happen.
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Actually WJ inner shafts are longer than standard XJ, TJ, ZJ, YJ Dana 30's; somewhere around ~63.5" wide I think. Main reason stock WJ tie rods and drag links won't work for us XJ owners. If the WJ's Dana 30 wasn't a low pinion, it would be a great semi-bolt-in swap axle, for somebody looking for a little wider axle.
#5
No, just make sure you have them tig welded with proper pre and post heating.
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