Well, initially I assumed the 99xj was hi-pinion reverse rotation, when I called to order parts I was informed of the opposite, and was told the 99xj is standard rotation and low pinion, and out of the 4 gears and install kits I was looking at two of them are made for the grand Cherokee, not saying he is wrong, but just wanted to see if I can confirm prior to ordering parts and getting to deep into it.. I'm love driving my xj so I want it out of commission for the shortest amount as possible :-)

 

Front axle
1984–1996: Dana 30, high pinion, reverse cut, 27-spline axleshafts (1989 – 1995 : with ABS used 5-297x universal joints, non-ABS had 5-260x universal joints. NP228/229 "Selec-Trac" equipped XJ models were also produced with constant-velocity joints instead of universal joints.)
1996–1999: Dana 30, high pinion, reverse cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
2000–2001: Dana 30, low pinion, standard cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axleshafts.
1985–2001: Straight non-driven front axle for two-wheel drive only.

So does anyone know if jeep\Chrysler does half build years? Meaning: on my 73 bronco depending on if it was produced the first 6 months it got one axle and the last 6 months it was changed

 

Do you have the jeep? Go look at your axle to see if it's high or low pinion. I think most if not all 99s were high pinion (reverse rotation).

 

Yes your right by" most "99 were hi-pinion, but depending on when produced

 

1999 in June went to low pinion

 

And they only had the good motor that introduced at the start of the model year till then also, then went to that junk CA. emissions engine for everything.

 

Which is when they begin building for the following year. Meaning 2000. No half year stuff that I remember working as a Service Manager at a Jeep dealer.

 

Ya, I do remember reading up on history when Chrysler decided to phase out the XJ, but couldn't remember approximate date, anyway got my build sheet to confirm yesterday and now onto parts! BTW my 99 came with d30m 181mm reverse rotation, 297\760 ujoint, 27 spline... But I'm sure most of you knew that...