So Ive been thinking about doing a TJ Rubicon axle swap into my 2001 Cherokee Sport, from all information I've found TJ and XJ axles are interchangeable. I'm wondering why I haven't seen anyone swap TJ Rubicon axles into a XJ, is there a reason no one has done this or has no one thought of it? I figure it would be a good way to get lockers and a beefier front axle if you find a set of axles at a decent price.

 

JonB8 has don this swap into his XJ, and ran the Rubicon with them. However he hasn't been on here for awhile. But you are correct, they swap right in with the only problem that they use 1330 U joints instead of our 1310s. But you can get adapter U joints for that. And you have to cut the brackets off the rear axle and weld on some leaf spring pads. You just have to find them and come up with the cash for them

 

Ok, I know how to weld but I don't have a welder or plasma cutter at home so could I swap the internals from the TJ Rubicon axle into the factory rear XJ Dana 44? Also, could the TJ Rubicon brakes be put on the factory XJ Dana 44?

 

As far as I know, yes. However getting the gears set up properly is another matter. It will be much easier for you to do a little welding even if you have to rent a welder. As far as removing the brackets, a 4.5" side grinder will be sufficient. Unless you have the knowledge to set up a set of differential gears, you should not attempt it

 

I think the biggest reason a lot of people don't do it is because those axles out of a TJ are really hard to get and if you can, they usually command a premium price. most people opt to go in different directions due to the price factor.

 

Ok, thanks. I was thinking the same thing.