Locked front axle.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Locked front axle.
I have an 89 xj and as u know it has the vac. disconnect. I was wondering though if you install a locker in the front axle would there be a problem with them being locked with not in 4wd? Like you know if the rear is locked and you turn the tires turn at the same rate and you can wear them out. Is the front the same even with the vac. disconnect?
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,588
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From: Chico, CA
Year: 1986
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.3L with headers and full 3" exhaust system
If the disconnect is engaged, it will perform like a one piece axle. If disengaged and in 4WD you will have three wheel drive. When not engaged or in 4WD the drive shaft will turn when moving.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
So as long as it is not engaged meaning rear wheel only it will act normal and when I go to 4wd it will act as a solid axle. Is that correct?
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ok Im thinking of doing this. Is there a cheap locking spool like some other axles have. I have seen some for like 35 fo some other axles. Or would it be easy enough to just weld it together. Or is that a bad idea.
Thanks
Thanks
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 80
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Year: 1996 ZJ
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: 5.2
Cheapest ive found a Aussie locker was 250.00. With that anytime force is applied to the driveshaft it will Lock move both wheels together.
I have not heard of any reall issues running with the vac front end. But like mine i have the Vac front end that the vac quit on me... so i shimmed mine to stay "engauge" i have not had an issue as of yet. Jeep did away with the Vac front ends as it was found it really is pointless over the one peice axle.
In my opioin you will be fine with the vac front end and a locker.
I have not heard of any reall issues running with the vac front end. But like mine i have the Vac front end that the vac quit on me... so i shimmed mine to stay "engauge" i have not had an issue as of yet. Jeep did away with the Vac front ends as it was found it really is pointless over the one peice axle.
In my opioin you will be fine with the vac front end and a locker.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Thats what I figure. No reason to not street drive it Since will be disconnet by the vac anyway.
MJ>XJ
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 17,836
Likes: 7
From: Griffin, G.A.
Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0 I6
yeah... thats for a 9"... you asked about a dana 30 or 35... and we told you...
MJ>XJ
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 17,836
Likes: 7
From: Griffin, G.A.
Year: 1990
Model: Comanche
Engine: 4.0 I6
found alittle info...
Changing from a 260 U-joint to a 297 or a 760?
The 297/5-760 joints will not fit the 260 axles without some machining and even then, I'm not convinced that they would be stronger with the lose of material from the shafts. If you are looking to upgrade from a 260 sized u-joint try finding a joint with either ABS (Anti-Lock Breaks) or one that came from a 1997 (when they became standard) and up model Jeep. (The 1996 models are hit or miss with the 297's some have them and some dont - This is at least how it works with the XJ's)
Here is a picture showing the differences in the 297 and the 760 joints.
The 297/5-760 joints will not fit the 260 axles without some machining and even then, I'm not convinced that they would be stronger with the lose of material from the shafts. If you are looking to upgrade from a 260 sized u-joint try finding a joint with either ABS (Anti-Lock Breaks) or one that came from a 1997 (when they became standard) and up model Jeep. (The 1996 models are hit or miss with the 297's some have them and some dont - This is at least how it works with the XJ's)
Here is a picture showing the differences in the 297 and the 760 joints.
