i blew the rear end up in my jeep (1998 cherokee) and i know its a D35 but i dont know how to de code the tag so order new parts. the two numbers on the tag are
52099473AE
606649-13 55
and i also have the casting numbers but those two should tell me what i need to know if anyone can tell me the ratio and everything that would be awesome thank you. and maybe a good place to get a rebuild kit with a locker if you know of any

 

Go get a 8.25 and swap axles, DO NOT invest one penny in that D35.

 

what would i get a 8.25 out of and could i match gear ratio with the front diff or would i have to swap front gears too? looks like 97 and newer with 29 spline is what i am looking for did they normally come in cherokee or what model should i look for one in?

 

They came in Cherokees. I have one from the factory. I suggest doing a disc brake swap before installing. If you have stock gear ratio (3.55 for an auto) then a 3.55 8.25 should match fine.

 

Yeah its a auto but thats another thing im trying to find out is what my ratio is, i think its 3.55 but im not sure. i got the tag numbers just dont know how to de code them. on ill look into finding a C8.25.

 

You want an 8.25 out of a 97-01 XJ (all were 29 spline axles) if stock "Most" all came with 3.55 gears with the AW4 trans. I think that 13 55# you listed may indicate its a 3.55 but look on the ring gear to be sure.

 

I emailed jeep with my vin number and they sent me a build sheet with the stock gear ratio (for me 3.55, 89 4.0, auto). I swapped in a 8.25, didn't take me more than an hour and a half to do the swap (but I had installed a new lift kit a year earlier) Found the axle with rebuilt seals for $125. Not a bad deal.

 

So if i have a 98 would i have to change my lift to get the C8.25 to fit?

 

Lift wise you will be fine. You will have to get new U-bolts and U-bolt plates because the axle housing on the D35 is smaller than the 8.25. I have read that others have used the same plates but, I can't confirm myself if that is correct. When I swapped my 35 for the 8.25 I done the disc brake swap and bought new U-bolts and plates.

Like Fred said, check the ring gear for the ratio on your 35. If you're not the original owner of the Cherokee, someone may have done a gear swap at some point. Highly doubtful but, possible.

 

I was able to use the same Plates and the ubolts that came with my lift kit.


I have a 3.5" kit, and it really made no difference at all, except in one way, the pinion on the 8.25 is longer than on the d35, so that meant that the drive shaft wasn't extended as far out of the transfer case and helped some issues I was having.

 

ill have to check my ratio then ill be looking for a C8.25

 

You'll have a tag on the front and rear, will state ratio, if one is missing, look at the other.

If you have a '97 with 4.0 and auto.......stock..........it'll be 3.55 which are a dime a dozen.

Should run you less than $150 at the PnP, grab the 8.25 drive shaft too. New Ubolts and you'll be good to go. Look for one with two tags, one will say add additive for LSD, nice feature if you are not planning on a locker.


BTW, "03 Liberty disc brakes are bolt-on and a ++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Ok thank you everyone for the help ill try to post some pics of the little project and what the one i have in looks like when i pulled the diff cover. Thank you again ill start looking for a LSD C8.25

 

To answer your original question here is how to decode a dana tag. You take the bill of material number off the tag ( 606649-1 ) go to http://www2.dana.com/expertforms/deabill.aspx and enter that number with the dash.

Max

 

That says 3.55 ratio thank you