I just got an XJ last year and still at new to this whole thing. The other day my front dif went out and I was wondering if I should just replace the axle with another 01 or if I should go with a 96-99 model axle because it has the hi mount? Please anyone share your thoughts

 

I would go with a 91-99 high pinion Dana 30.

 

What specifically "went out"?

 

 

A few months ago my front pinion bearing grenaded causing the pinion to both fall into the case and skew to the side.
This effectively locked up the axle.

I pulled the axle out, completely disassembled it down to the last screw, cleaned out the metal snow, then put it all back together.
As I recall I had a parts bill of $1100 from Rockauto, but that included much of the entire front suspension which I replaced at the same time.

 

So you have $1100 into the diff and it blew up again? Or do you have $1100 into this diff and are simply looking to move on? Either way, that’s a huge suck pill!

If by chance you haven’t sunk $1100 into the junk diff then absolutely yes, get an HP Dana 30!

 

Are you confusing me with the OP?

My pinion bearing went out at 160,000 miles and trashed the differential.
Rebuilt it with around $1100 in parts quite a bit of my own labor and back on the road for another 160k.

 

My 00 WJ's rear blew up, so $500 for a good used axle (installed) and down the road again! I even have parking brakes again! LOL!

 

lol....yup.