Shotym2

My son just bought a 2000 cherokee sport but it has a couple issues. First the front diff has a huge amount of noise and vibration. Only way to keep it somewhat driveable is in 4 full so it needs a major fix. Other item was trans started puking fluid out of the bell housing so either front trans seal or bushing is pooched. Friend has a 88 laredo in his yard he will give up for a couple boxes of beer. Questions:
1) can I use the front axle complete hub to hub without any major rework like shortening driveshafts,cutting, etc?
2) will the trans work with the 2000 engine and transfercase or are splines different?
3)If I use the 88 transfer case are the u-joints the same or am I mixing and matching u-joints and stuff?

Want to keep it as straight forward and quick as possible so will pass on the truck if there is too much tinkering required.

It does have super nice leather power seats though.

Thanks

Shotym2

I did a complete hub to hub axle swap, pretty easy really. Put the 88 HP in place and it is quiet in 2wd at low speed but at 40-50 it starts to rumble and gets worse as you go. In 4wd it is dead quiet under power but coasting down it rumbles really bad. This is the same problem as the original axle but to a much lesser degree. The newly installed axle has very little play in the pinion (a few degrees) where the original one had lots of rotational play plus it could be moved in and out about a quarter inch. I have not opened either up but am assuming it is a pinion bearing being eaten up. Is this a common problem with the Dana 30 or just bad luck having two with the same issue?

thx
Dwight

944.0

Are you sure its not the transfer case causing problems? Maybe take the front drive shaft out and see if it helps.

Shotym2

On the original axle it was definately from the axle. Had it up on jack stands and when slowing down in 4wd could hear every gear tooth making contact, transfer case was quiet. Didn't have a chance to try it with the new axle installed.

944.0

Maybe the transfer case is what caused the other one to go bad. Its the only other thing that is the same.