I have a 94 4.0 5-speed 2 door Cherokee. that was a 2 wheel drive.

I'm almost done with the 4x4 conversion.

The parts Jeep is a 98 Cherokee Sport. 4.0L 5-speed, was 4x4.

My question is, the Rear ends look the same from the out side.
Would the gearing be any different on the rear ends for me to have to swap them out also?

 

depends check for a little tag on one of the bolts on the housings that will tell you.

 

Chances are good that they are the same. If you can't find the tag, you can have a buddy hold one side of the axle, so it doesn't spin, mark the flange, and count how many revolutions the other side makes per revolutions of the pinion. If they each turn the same amount of turns per revolution of the pinion, then they are the same ratio. HTH!!

 

Good answer.

 

Great answer COSXJFAN, I looked at the little metal tags. they both say 3.07, So I'm good right? shouldn't have to change them out?

 

no you wont have to change them

 

I did notice this:
"Chrysler 8.25 - 27 spline, 1.17" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 91-96
Chrysler 8.25 - 29 spline, 1.21" diameter shafts, 8.25" ring gear, 3" axle tube - used 97-01"

Mine is a 94 and the Parts jeep is a 98, would the different spines have any effect and is one better than the other?

 

Later model one is better due to higher spline count, and larger axle shaft diameter.

 

So since I have already dropped the 98 Rear axle I'll just go ahead a put it in, I just hate messing with the E-brake dis-connect, It takes for ever lol. Thanks for all your input and help guys.

 

are they both 8.25?

 

Both were Dana 35's. the only difference in the rear ends was the E-brake cables, they were different lengths so I had to swap them out.

 

WHAT??

If either Jeep had ABS, then that will be a D35. If they did not, they are 8.25s.

 

not so true if it had abs then yes it is a d35 but that is not to say that it is not a d35 none abs. as they are out their...
also note that the spring perches on the new rear end are in a different location then the older so you can not just unbolt and bolt it in to the older xj without changing the spring perches...

 

I have never heard this, and would love to know the source of this info...

As for the D35 being put into production without ABS, I can agree with that. Since they were available without it in years prior to the introduction of the 8.25 in the XJ line, so that makes sense. I would love to see some proof of the perch statement, as changing the spring location would change the entire uni-frame structure in the rear, and as I said, I have never heard that. Not saying I know everything, because I don't, but i have been farting around with XJs for awhile, so...pretend I'm from Missouri. LOL!!

 

the 96 and older is 44" center to center perch the 97 and up is 43 1/2"
proof I have been in to jeeps for years, I run an all jeep junk yard and service shop. my yard a few months ago. I have added about 12 more
I have put lots of d44 from the older xjs and MJ's into newer xjs after soemone blowing up their crapy 8.25 and you have to change the perches or you are at risk of bending the centerpin and braking it.
I have fixed lots after people have just swaped them in not knowing their was a bit of differance.