I picked up this 1996 2D 2WD 5 Speed SE the other day.
This is my 2nd XJ. First 2WD. I got it for the MPG's as I'll be taking it camping and on long road trips. I'm having some issues with the front end. It doesn't have unit bearings and I'm having issues finding parts for the bearings and brakes. The only rotors I've found with studs are for a 91. Is this a thing? I also cannot find anything but stock brakes for it. I'd at least like to put ceramic pads on it. I'm used to unit bearings and it's a PIA so far. It doesn't have ABS. I'm wanting to replace the bearings, seals, calipers, pads, and rotors, but it's looking like I might just turn the rotors and clean up the calipers and put new pads on it. Can anyone help me out with parts? I've done rear drums and front disks on my 4WD, but obviously didn't run into any of these issues with that. Any help would be appreciated. TIA.

 

Nice 2 door. I have a soft spot for them since I have one. Can you post a pic of your unit bearing and brakes with the wheel off? The XJs I have had apart have removable rotors. The studs are on the unit bearing

 

I don't have removable rotors.

 

I can't post a photo yet, I'm at work.
Being a 2WD I have spindles instead of a hub, so my bearings go on the rotor. They're just studded rotors.
Same with me that's why i'm having such a hard time with it.

 

I thought the 2WD switched over to using the hubs and a stub axle instead of a spindle and tapered bearings in 93. Rock Auto stops showing 4wd versus 2wd rotors for 93. I would bet that someone swapped in an older front axle, and the answer is that you need 92 or older rotors and bearings.

 

Pictures in case anyone wants to know what the old style 2wd rotor and bearings looked like.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/re...indles-205333/

 

Well, learned something about this

 

My 2wd '88 is like that. Stub shaft is part of the knuckle. The rotor is part of the hub. Looks like the link Lawsoncl posted.

My '88 parts guide shows the different knuckles and hubs for 2wd vs 4wd. Don't see them for a '96.

Pics would help.

 

Yup! Exactly like this. Yeah, not sure if the PO swapped front axles or I just got a rare one.