Front axle U joints
10-22-2016, 01:55 PM
#1
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Front axle U joints
Hello all,
So I'm in a bit of a pickle right now. I have a 1996 jeep cherokee. I replaced my front and rear axles with what I thought was another cherokee automatic axles, which gave me a better gear ratio. However when I replace my u joints on the front axles the old ones are smaller than the new ones. So the new ones don't fit. How do I go about finding out which size I need? The ones that are to big are for a 1996 jeep cherokee. Napa part number 371.
I have no way to get in touch with the guy I bought them from.
So I'm in a bit of a pickle right now. I have a 1996 jeep cherokee. I replaced my front and rear axles with what I thought was another cherokee automatic axles, which gave me a better gear ratio. However when I replace my u joints on the front axles the old ones are smaller than the new ones. So the new ones don't fit. How do I go about finding out which size I need? The ones that are to big are for a 1996 jeep cherokee. Napa part number 371.
I have no way to get in touch with the guy I bought them from.
10-22-2016, 02:19 PM
#2
No, I don't lick fish.
Couple options.. A) get u-joints with 1/16" OD bearings (378 or 365 at Napa) or B) swap out axle shafts.
I personally would go with option B. The larger u-joints, although only 1/8" larger in diameter, are stronger and the preferable joints to wheel with. Earlier model XJs came with HP D30s, but had the 1/16" u-joints. It was '96 that they upgraded to the 3/16" ujoints which is one of the reasons a 96-99 HP D30 is so desirable. In 00 and 01 they switched to a LP D30.. I think the u-joints were the same size though.
It's also recommended to get the DANA/Spicer u-joints as well. Not sure if the NAPA are of any lesser quality or not, but every time u-joints are brought up, the vets all say go with spicer.
I personally would go with option B. The larger u-joints, although only 1/8" larger in diameter, are stronger and the preferable joints to wheel with. Earlier model XJs came with HP D30s, but had the 1/16" u-joints. It was '96 that they upgraded to the 3/16" ujoints which is one of the reasons a 96-99 HP D30 is so desirable. In 00 and 01 they switched to a LP D30.. I think the u-joints were the same size though.
It's also recommended to get the DANA/Spicer u-joints as well. Not sure if the NAPA are of any lesser quality or not, but every time u-joints are brought up, the vets all say go with spicer.
10-22-2016, 07:23 PM
#5
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thanks for the input here. I went to napa and got the 365's I think. This will get me on the road for work as I put around in this rather than the cummins. The crew at napa won a customer for life as long as I live here in MN anways.
They broke out calipers and double checked all the measurements for me to make sure. Not saying the info was questionable they just wanted to get it right.
As far as upgrading. I have my old axles which have the bigger u joints. I will keep these for back ups as I am told they will fit as well. I don't do much wheeling but I take it camping and sometimes need the 4x4 then.
Thanks again for the help here people!
They broke out calipers and double checked all the measurements for me to make sure. Not saying the info was questionable they just wanted to get it right.
As far as upgrading. I have my old axles which have the bigger u joints. I will keep these for back ups as I am told they will fit as well. I don't do much wheeling but I take it camping and sometimes need the 4x4 then.
Thanks again for the help here people!
thanks for reporting back.
10-23-2016, 08:15 AM
#7
CF Veteran
your old axle shafts with the larger u-joints will fit right into your replacement axle... for future reference.
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10-23-2016, 08:22 AM
#8
No, I don't lick fish.
