hello im looking for a front axle to swap into a 2wd. What is the best year to look for and will a grand cherokee front axles work under an 88 cherokee.

 

you can pretty much find a hp dana 30 from alot of junk yards , that would be your best bet and easiest , unless you wanan fabricate a dana 44 under there

 

^that's what i would do.

grand cherokee axles are low pinion. go for the high pinion from a newer xj (97-99). that way you will get the larger u-joints and no vacuum disconnect.

 

Depends what your plans are,, if your are just looking for a replacement..

Any xj from 84-99 have the High Pinion Dana 30(which is what you want).

00-01 have Low Pinion dana 30( a bit weaker and sucks when lifting an XJ)

Also from 84-91 have vacuum disconnect.--Avoid these ones.


IMO.. you should be looking for a 92-99 xj front axle.

Unless you plan on doing a lift and big tires,, Then i would think about getting something better.

 

Thats what I needed to know thanks alot. I am planning on a 3" lift and 31" tires this will be my hunting/fishing/camping/scuba trip jeep no mud pits or huge bolders. I think the dana 30 will hold up for that application.

 

yeah, the dana 30 will hold up fine for what your doing.

 

but you do know you need to put a Transfer case, and get a Front Driveshaft, to make it functional... And im sure theres probably a couple others things to do, but I have never done it myself so I couldnt tell you

 

Are you even trying to make it 4x4????? if not then i would just get a 2wd front axle,,, I could imagine it would be alot cheaper

 

yes it will be 4x4. To make a long story longer the truck needs tires, I dont want to buy small tires then buy larger ones in a couple months. So I plan to go ahead and put a lift kit on, and thought while i'm at it go ahead and install the front axle, Keep driving it and look for the rest of the parts for the swap. I also thaught it will be easyer to change the trans with it a few inches higher off the ground.

 

ok,, thats alot clearer..

 

Too bad your not near NJ I have an 89 4wd complete for sale for $200 thats a front rear (D30 no vacuum) and a transfer case and driveshaft...Tj

 

ditto here i've got an 89 2door with a bad frame... would be perfect for a donor 4x4 swap... all i want is $250 if your near MI let me know

 

Im in nc but travel for my job up and down the east coast ill keep it in mind if I make it to your area. thanks