Ive been wanting a Cherokee for a while now and finally got one. Its a 96 sport 4door, 4.0 automatic, 167k miles. It is AWESOME! Its in pretty great shape, it was originally a fleet vehicle for the local forest rangers and they kept it well maintained. Anyway, my question is when I make a hard left or hard right, there is a wurring sound that comes from what sounds like the rear end. It only happens if the car is in motion. I have a feeling its something to do with the differential? I think its being caused by one wheel turning faster than the other. (the tire inside the turn turning slower than the outside one.) I have a lot of experience with cars, but all my previous cars were 2wd "sports" cars, never anything 4wd. And suggestions would be very appreciative before I start tearing something apart! Thanks!

Scott

 

Congrats on the purchase, I used to have a '96 forest service rig. A lot of the FS XJ's had limited slip, I would start by identifying what rear axle you have.

 

Uh oh. You just called your Jeep a "car". They're very sensitive to that...

 

I had a D35 with the limited slip rear end. It started to lock up and made the exact sound you described. Ended up swapping it for a 8.25 which is a stronger axle.

 

For future reference, a D30 is not a rear axle. It is the only Front axle offered in xj's.

 

I'm well aware of that.

 

I believe its the "C8.25", comparing it to a pic on my phone. I also just noticed that after a little driving, it gets quieter and quieter until it makes no noise at all.

 

Noted! Wont make that mistake again... I've only ever owned cars, still trying to adjust haha

 

Looks more like a 35 to me

 

The more I look at the pic the more unsure I get. The plug definitely looks like the 8.25 but I guess the shape is more like the 35. Is there any other way to tell? Does it make a difference as to what to do to diagnose/ repair it?

 

The easiest way to tell the difference is the 8.25 has a flat bottom. I'm not sure about repairing or diagnosing it. Here's my 8.25 for some more comparison. But I'm pretty positive you have the 35

 

the shape looks like a 35 from the pic but look at the fill cap on the diff cover? that looks like an 8.25

 

I looked at it again in daylight, its a 35. Anyone have a suggestions why it would make that wurring/ rubbing noise on sharp turns??

 

Start with inspecting the gears. Go get some diff fluid, 3 quarts of 85-140ish or 90-140ish your choice of brand... (not going to get into diff fluid weight and brand debates) Also look for signs for a d35 limited slip. I'll find you pictures in a minute.

 

It could be a factory LSD that needs new fluid/LSD additive.