1998 jeep cherokee sport 4.0l 5 speed 170K, all stock
Sorry to repeat this topic as I'm sure there are many past answers, but I'm getting confused
Jeep has a noticeable loose feel in the rear almost like a fishtail over-steer around tight turns. The rear hubs feel like they have to much play. The sway bar looks good, shocks are months old and front linkage has mostly been replace at this point (but trackbar). There is no noise from the rear as far as bearing noise. The wheel moves in and out from diff, could the bearings be shot as well? Also both sides (left and right) have about the same amount of play.
I am thinking the c clips are bad.
Based on the picture in the sticky it looks like the Chrysler 8.25 which I think was stock for the 98. Mine is so rusted i can't read anything but attached a picture

Since drive shaft has a good amount of play coming from the diff (u joints look good) I'm going to pull the cover off the diff to see also how the gears are but i'm pretty sure with 170k it will not look new

Question- what else could be the issue and am i thinking this out correctly? Any pitfalls that i need to watch out for?
If the spider gears are bad would it be a better idea to just replace the Axel?
Thanks

 

You are right, u have a 8.25 axle. If the bearings were bad you would definately hear them. The slight movement in and out of the rear axles is ok, as long as its just a bit. The c clips really dont go bad, they just break and your axle slides out going down the road and you lose a wheel/axle lol.

Check your ubolts that hold your leaves to your axle, if they are loose they can cause axle wrap which can feel like what you are saying, the axle pitches up and down as you accell/decel etc.

 

are you new to jeeps. Mine has the same feel, I believe its because of the rear axle being so close to you the driver as compared to other vehicles. Jeeps have there own feel to them when driving. I think so far its what makes it fun to drive and corner with. but ya, check everything out. I am new to jeeps.. just my .02 good luck

 

this and check u bolts imo, my jeep is way squirrelly compared to my pickup, way shorter wheelbase. A little in and out on the rear end is normal.

 

Big thanks!!, tightened U bolts (which felt like it needed to be tightened) and rear felt much better during test ride over a sharp turned potholed/rutted surface.

 

oh great, now I gotta go out in the rain and check to make sure my u-bolts aint loose too. LOL

 

Use umbrella

 

to lay on or hold over me. its rainin and the ground is wet, LOL there is no stayin dry. LOL

 

Cant have best of both worlds not enough lift to reach over tire and check ?

 

heck no, this jeep is stock, got lots of checkin to do this weekend, front to back, been workin on it since I got it chasin minor issues. I am learnin about this built not bought thing with jeeps. LoL

 

you never mrssed with u bolts dought there loose