I know in or around '96 Jeep started putting the Chrysler 8.25" 29 spline axle in the XJ's. Is there a way to determine which axle a '96 would have without removing the diff cover?

I am going to order a lunchbox locker for my axle and only want to pull the diff cover once.

I just asked the same question in the lockers in a 8.25 thread. But I am willin to take off my cover as I need to paint clean add fluid and install new gasket so I might as well do it then. So just remover the bolt that locks the axle in and count 1 side splines and that's it?

Also remove you drums shoes and harware on that one side so you can remove the axle right?

Steps to remove an axle.

1. Pull the diff cover
2. Pull the carrier cross pin
3. Remove the brake drum
4. Push in on the axle shaft while doing step 5
5. Use a magnet to remove the C-clip
6. Pull axle out of housing.

Re-install in reverse order.

Cool so I can leave the shoes and hardware on thanks

Yes, as the shoes and the hardware are all behind and to the side of the axle flange.