My375hp302

Is there any way to upgrade the u-joints to beefier ones on the disconnect axles without changing the pass side to a one piece shaft? I want to retain the disconnect feature but increase the strength just a tad. Thanks.

DagBMX

mainly installing the better u-joint, and even figuring a way to support the caps. Iron Rock has this almost alloy kit that welds over the caps, and helps support/stiffen weaker joints. they even have the upgraded front axles shaft sets with the better u-joint and the allow caps, but they are the non-disconnect shafts.

My375hp302

So I'm stuck with the 260 U-joints unless I convert to a one piece shaft? If that's the case what brand U-joint have you guys had good luck with?

DagBMX

no, you can still upgrade the joints without replacing the shafts. if you check out the link i have in the other post for the almost alloy kit, it tells you what they recommend using. they have the Spicer 760X which is one of the better ones you can buy for the axle. since the axles is a Dana-Spicer anyways, using the same brand will assure compatibility. i believe that the any parts you can buy for the disconnect axles will work on the solid axle. only real difference is the whole disco/non-disco deal.

djritter1122

n/m

My375hp302

On the link it says it will fit "All 95 and newer Jeep vehicles including XJ Cherokees. 1984-1994 Jeep Cherokees with upgraded front axle shafts." I gather from this that the 297 u-joints will only fit in late model axles. Were there any late model disconnect axles that have the proper yoke size for 297 u-joints?

My375hp302

bump

DagBMX

no, the vacuum axles were not used from 1991 and onwards, only in 1990 and earlier.

some of the early disco axles had the 297 joints in them, because those with ABS put some extra stress on the axles. the shafts for those using the 260 and 297 were exactly the same. the whole upgrading to the non-disco axles is just favored over using the disco axles by guys who really abuse their rigs. the 760 joint is able to be put into the stock shafts as well with no problem. in 1995 and onwards, the 260 joint wasn't used, but was found in various models from 1991-1994 when the non-disco axle replaced the old vacuum axles. basically, the only thing that is the major difference between disco and non-disco axles is the one piece and two piece design. other than that, the joints all fit the same, bearings in the shaft housings and hubs are all the same, carriers were the same, etc etc etc... you get the picture.

winston427

91 also had the vac disco front axle.
None of the disconnect axles had 297 u-joint, they were all 260s.
All of the ABS equipped XJs had the non disco axles

Here is the breakdown:

Axles

Front Axles


Dana 30 high pinion - reverse cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear - used 84-99 (some axles through 91 are vacuum disconnect, 92+ are non-disconnect, 89-95 with ABS have 5-297x u-joints, all 95+ have 5-297x u-joints, all others have 5-260x u-joints)



Dana 30 low pinion - standard cut - 27 spline, 1.16" diameter shafts, 7.13" ring gear, 5-297x u-joints - used 00-01

winston427

I am not sure of the specs on the 84-86 XJs, but from 87-91 the standard is the NP231 transfer case has the vac disco axle and the NP242 has the non disconnect axle. All 89-91s with ABS will have the NP242 non disconnect, but not all XJs with the NP242 have ABS.

My375hp302

Ok, so the 297 is out of the question with a disconect axle and the 760 is a direct replacement for the 260? If the 260 and 760 fit in the same axle how can it be any stronger?

winston427

Check this thread. There are several links to articles on u-joint upgrades. It is a little ways down the list, but it is a very helpful list.

My375hp302

What thread? Link? Not seeing it?

winston427

Uh, oops.

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/xj-...ll-read-25624/

Savage4.0

I'm pretty sure the 1995 yj with abs has
the rh short axle for disconnect and 297
ujoints. Everyone wants over $200 for 'em'
though. I actually gave up a one piece d30
in favor of the disco so I can disconnect my
locker. I too am wanting the 297 ujoints but
not wantn to spend the $200 bucks for the
shaft. I can buy a lotta 260 ujoints for that price.