I have a 96 Cherokee classic with 4.5" super flex lift and my front axle is shot and i picked up a COMPLETE axle from a 01 cherokee with 82xxx on it for $125. I need to swap them out. I dont kow where to start or what to do. im pretty good at working on things but i just need a little guidence. where do i start and what all do i need to unhook and what not. thanks guys

Here is a quick instruction,
1. Is it the same ratio as rear? sorry have to ask.
2. Jack up front and put jack stands back on the frame so the front end is susepended.
3. Disconeect the brake lines,shocks,lower and upper control arms,and disconnect tierod from pittman arm,and disconnect the drive shaft,make sure there is a jack holding the axle up before you disconnect the control arms.
4. You are going to have a problem because of the lift,you may need a spring compressor,there may not have enough room unless you can get the front end up for enough.

should be the same gear ratio. i was told that pretty much all 4.0 auto cherokees had 3:55 gears. if not i can put my gears in the new one since the gears and everything are fine.

Your gears won't work in the new one. The 00 and 01 XJs used the low pinion D30 borrowed from TJs and has a standard cut gear as opposed to the reverse cut in the 96. Everything else swaps over though.

Yep, if it were me and I could I would hold out for a High pinion (99 and before). But sometimes now is more important than later.

but the gears should be 3:55 in both right?