Ian96XJ

I was going through my 2WD '96 XJ today, replacing the sway bar links, when I happened to notice that it didn't have an ABS system on there. Weird, as I had always assumed! Which got me to thinking, if it didn't have ABS, what are the chances I have an 8.25 Chrysler diff in the back?

Lo and behold, it DOES! Because it is a mid-year '96 (August 1996), I know there's a chance that it's a 29 spline. Is there ANY way to check to make sure, short of cracking open the cover and counting? Like using the numbers on the diff itself? Opening the cover is no problem; I just have to wait until I go back to San Diego next week.

Here are some numbers I found. Do they mean anything to anyone?

pickles

Pulling the diff cover wont do it, you will have to pull the axle out or just count the spline in the spider gear when you remove it. doesn't take very long, and is really easy.

Ian96XJ

Would I be able to pop the cover, turn the wheel by hand, and count the spline in the spider gear without having to pull the axle out?

freegdr

not sure if there enough eye ball room for that to happen

pickles

Highly doubtfull. Its really really easy to pull the axle though. Just pull the diff pin out, push the axle in , remove C clip and slide the axle out. Or slide axle out enough to remove spider gears, push axle back in and count the splines that way (or the splines in the spider gear)

Is there a reason you need to know the spline count?? Planning on a locker?

Ian96XJ

Down the road, yes. If it turns out to be a 29 spline C8.25, I'd like to swap it over to my 4x4 XJ, which currently has a D35. Then I'd drop a locker into it...an Aussie locker or similar. I'd do the swap because it would save me some money, since I wouldn't have to buy another rear end. If it's a 27 spline, then I'll just save up for a D44.