Just a FYI for reference. I did a bunch of research on the axle in my 1996 Jeep Cherokee Classic, 2wd, no abs... I realized that all indications are that the vehicle will have a Chrysler 8.25 27 spline axle. Visual inspection and comparison to the differential cover would verify the Chrysler 8.25 axle. Also the build sheet provided by Jeep states it is the DRAS Corporate Chrysler 8.25. So, I ordered a Powertrax No Slip for it, took the differential apart and as I readied to install the new parts, boom....no fit.....this Jeep has 29 spline axles. No where can I find any reference to 1996 Jeeps having 29 spline axles in the Chrysler 8.25. I can only assume that since the 1997 and up had 29 splines, that the Jeep I have was late production as a result the factory had already started to convert the axles to 29 splines...or they just ran out of the 27 spline axles and used a 29 spline. who knows..lol So I have ordered a replacement from Powertrax...Jeep is apart and waiting for new parts.

 

Sorry for the misfortune. When i looked into what years of XJ to get i heard the the 96 was the bastardized cherokee having colorful mixes of parts as the production year went on. Therefore post and pre years were more reliable to have the parts they're supposed to lol

 

Not what I'd call a misfortune, really. Can you tell me what the build date of your Cherokee is? It will be on a sticker on the driver's side door.

 

Yeah I'll check it when i go on lunch around 6pm. Although it should be known manufacture years usually start december of the previous year. 12-95 is actually a 96 etc.

 

The build date of my Jeep as on the sticker on the drivers door is 10-96... the build sheet has an Inservice Date of 1-97..

 

yep late 96 (or some of them) have the 29 splines. my XJ has a build date of sept. of 96 and I have 29 splines.

sorry you had to order the wrong parts, but 96 is a tricky year. on top of the OBDII change there are some weird quirks here and there.

 

There you go. Late '96 with a 29-spline. Mine was built in March, I think, so I'm pretty sure it's a 27.