Are the basic driveline parts the same on a 96 Grand Cherokee and a 96 Cherokee Country? I need rear end and maybe axle parts. Thanks for any help. freedomhandyman@bellsouth.net

 

No. The rear end of a ZJ has Coil springs. The rear end of an XJ has leaf springs. The brackets would be all wrong.

There is a possibility that it's the same axle (it'll have different brackets on it) you can swap the shafts but I've never done it so I don't know.

You CAN, on the other hand, snag the disc brakes off of that one...

 

what about the gears and stuff inside the rear diff?

 

As long as it's the same axle the guts will work.

What axle do you have? 8.25 or D35?

 

Not to sound stupid, but this is my first Jeep. How do I know which one I have?

 

Click this and match the picture to which one you have.

Its either dana 30 or Chrysler 8.25 unless it has been changed.

 

Good info. Looks like mine has been changed. I will cut to the chase with the problem; Whirring noise on deceleration, random periods of strong wobble, where driveshaft enters rear diff there is small amount of play up and down and in and out. Also when jacked up rear wheel and driveshaft have a bit of play between them when turned.