Can someone point me in the right direction of a write up? I have a 94 cherokee 4x4 and I broke the ring and pinion and I was told its easier to just do the whole axle if I'm not planning to upgrade any of the internals.

 

It's a pretty simple unbolt the old and bolt in the new. Pull the wheels, remove the calipers, lower shock bolts, sway bar links, drop the axle and pull the springs out, take the tie rod ends loose from the knuckles, pull the track bar axle bolt, pull the steering stabilizer bolt from the axle end, unbolt the drive shaft from the axle, pull the breather hose off of the diff, pull the control arm bolts out, then slide the axle out. Install the new axle in reverse order. Don't tighten the control arm bolts until the vehicle weight is on the tires. Done.

 

Thats pretty much it !

 

Ok thanks! Is there a "safe way" to operate my jeep until I can afford a new axle?

 

Don't engage 4WD.

 

pull both front axles take them apart at u joints stuff rags in housing stick stub axle back thru hub tighten big nut then remove front drive shaft instant 2wd .

 

Ok thanks a lot. I do appreciate the help without someone having to act like they are better than anyone else or make smart*ss comments

 

I was finally able to take the axle apart and it looks like just the spider gears are broken. I've heard its fairly easier to swap out the carrier/new gears but I've also heard for a shade tree mechanic (without much knowledge of axles like myself) its easier to swap the entire axle...thoughts???

 

Even easier, swap the side and spider gears.

 

I would just replace the gears, it is not very hard at all.

 

Ok so in order to do that (assuming I find the right gears) I pull the axles out, unbolt the 4 bolts that hold the carrier bearings in place( keeping in mind which way they go on) and pull the whole carrier out correct?

 

No offense friend but if you have to ask about how to swap out a ring and pinion you really have to do a lot of homework. It is not a simple procedure.

 

The carrier is a completely different process though correct?

 

He just needs to replace the spider gears . That is pretty simple no gear set up required .

 

No. You still have to set the backlash.

A very good primer on Gear installation:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/Gear_Setup/