Flame on if you must.....
I just picked up a 98 xj with a 122xxx for 1800 here in NC... A deal I couldn't pass up. Needs a little TLC. Here is my first question: The ABS light on. Looked under the back and noticed what I believe is a POS Dana 35. Looks very similar to the 8.25 but no flat bottom. Question is I thought ABS didn't come on the 35. If not what is the best donor vehicle for an ABS equipped 8.25 to get this thing back proper?
Thanks!

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Cherokee_(XJ)


if you scroll down you will see...

Rear axle[edit]

• 1984–1989: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_35, non c-clip, with http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system (ABS) or non-ABS.
• 1987–1991: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_44, models w/tow package only, 30-spline axleshafts, non-abs.
• 1990–1996: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_35, c-clip, ABS or non-ABS.
• 1997–2001: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dana_35, c-clip, ABS.
• 1991–1996: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 27-spline axleshafts.
• Late 1996–2001: Chrysler 8.25", c-clip, non-ABS, 29-spline axleshafts.

wiki has a lot of info if you are looking for what use to be on your rig. its hepled me quite a few times

 

Thanks for the reply Gimmy. replacing a 35 with another 35 seems counter productive....The wife or kid wants to drive so I want to keep it safe as possible for them... so it looks as if I don't have much of a choice.

 

Its my understanding....in the late 90's if you have abs then you have a Dana 35. Non abs then as you mentioned check the housing. The 35 is round on the bottom of the gear housing. The 8.25 has a flat spot. Or you can measure the u bolts. Dana 35 u bolt is 2 3/4. The 8.25 is 3 inch. Id say since you have abs then you have a dana 35. I wouldnt think it be hard to find an xj in a junk yard and just buy the 8.25 rear axle and swap it out.....i would think it would be a straight swap....the abs sensors and the electrical side of the swap is beyond my understanding though.

 

I think the PO just replaced a busted rear with the first bolt up replacement he could. I suppose it's not going to see anything bigger than 31's so it will have to do. On the bright side I should be able to find one cheap....

 

the chrystlers never had the ABS. one thing you can do is buy some gear oil and pop the diff cover off.

one, it will tell you if you have ABS

and two, it wouldnt be a bad idea to change the fluid and to see what condition that rear end is in.

also, if there still is a tag on the diff, clean it up and see what modle the axle is.

cost you about $20 bucks minus your time.