So I pulled the vacuum disconnect front diff(spindle to spindle)out of my parts XJ. I have the entire assembly sitting in my back yard. I can take the yoke(pinion) and spin it by hand.

Is this normal. I was under the presumption that I shouldn't be able to spin it because at least one wheel would be engaged. I k.ow when the vacuum is applied to the disconnect motor,that the collar slides over and couples the seperate axle shafts.

So having the ability to spin the yoke by hand...normal or not?
I ask,because I want to put this entire assembly under my Daily Driver,and if its not functioning properly out of the vehicle,I want to find out before I do all the work to install it.

 

If the disconnect is in the 2WD mode, yes you can spin it without the axlaes moving. Read this:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f51/fr...ss-91-a-38629/

 

I thought that at the very least the side opposite the disconnect(drivers side) would want to spin when I turned the yoke by hand.

 

Nope. Only the spider gears in the diff are turning.

 

paint a smiley face on the diff cover. seems to work for some people

 

Well that tells me all is normal...thanks for the heads up