I could only really get another D35 and by my luck, the local scrap yard had just crushed an XJ but kept both axles. £100 and repairing the shock mounts and my noisey rear is resolved.

 

Did you make sure the gearing is the same?

 

Both had 3.55 on the tag however I did not check anything on the crown wheel. I will check my speed with an app as I know that my speedo is very accurate in previous tests. 4WD is never used so I shouldn't find any mis-matching axle issues as a result. My plan is to strip and rebuild my old one anyway so if there is any difference, it should be resolved in the future.

 

Okay, just remember if they are not the same and you drop it into 4wd, you will trash the t/case. Like probably split it wide open! AFAIK, they only came with possibly 2 ratios, 3.55 or 3.73 with the tow package. At least that's with ZJs.

Having said that, my 2000 XJ has 3.55 and the tow package, but it has the 8.25 rear.

 

Is it just the picture or does the right side tube look bent?

 

I certainly didn't notice any bend, the half shaft does have a slight wobble on that side though. Looking at another picture I have, I think most of the "bend" is actually a build up of body underseal and mud crusted on.

 

I advise to do:

* mark the pinion flange and axle, verify by turning it is 43/12 (I think, or whatever 3.55 is supposed to be)
* inspect the pumpkin/axle tube junction for damage or leaks
* using a long straight edge, verify the axle tubes are straight

 

Well I found my noise.



My plan now is to do a rebuild and I should be set for a while.