If the powers that be feel that this needs to be in cherokee chat, please move it as necessary...anyhoo...

Here's the skinny...probably going to be a long read but please bear with me.

I've had a 97 SE 2 door for about a year now...an animal...
Recently aquired a 96 sport 4 door...not quite as impressive...

The 97 has a rotting frame and shot suspension but a couple goodies worth keeping...important specs per the build sheet:
AW4 tranny
3.55 gears
chrysler 8.25 rear axle
4.0 - runs great - 258k on the odo
231 Tcase, I think, due to no "full time" option on the FWD shifter selector
The good stuff:
Factory installed anti-spin diff in the rear axle ~ pretty much full posi, full time
Maybe good? 230mm front axle

What is this?

Additional off web research has led me to find that this was a special order jeep for a ranger service or some such...basically a retired service vehicle...

On to the 96...also per the build sheet:
AW4 tranny
3.55 gears
chrysler 8.25 rear axle ~ NO ANTI SLIP
Dana 30 (181mm) front axle
4.0 HO - runs great - 201k on the odo
Transfer case must also be 231 since no "full time" option apparent and I've only seen the 242 referenced to 97 and newer
The good about the 96:
4 doors
Solid frame & floorboards (top 10 cleanest cherokee i've seen running around locally)
Good suspension
Came already lifted 2"
Bought from original owner who was crazy sick about good maintenance

Now for the 64 million $ question...
What would you do here? The 97 is gonna be parted/scrapped come spring...can the axles be swapped from 97 to 96? Is the 230mm front better than the Dana 30? I just want the best cherokee I can get between the two and sell off whats left...

Build me a Jeep Cherokee guys!!!

Both front axles are the same.. not much difference between the 96 and 97's as far as driveline goes. You should have lots of spare parts.

How can both fronts be the same when one is listed at 230mm and the other at 181mm? Not doubting, just doesn't jive in my brain...

If I was in your place I would swap EVERYTHING over to the 1996 body and springs. Drivetrain, interior, computer, wiring, front clip, fenders, doors, steel hatch, all of it. '96 fuel system is a pain in the butt to find parts for (a lot of JY-only bits) and OBD-II is half-assed on that model. Can't go wrong with a plastic fuel tank and 29-spline C8.25 with limited slip.

No idea what the 181 vs 230 mm thing is all about, just use whichever is in better condition.

Ok...so anyone got any information I can actually use here?

What do the metric listings for the front axle represent?

I'm most concerned about the rear axle with the posi in it. Is that a direct bolt for bolt swap?

One other thing...my 97 will only shift thru 2nd gear in 4 lo...is that a effed TC or a feature by design?

What's wrong with the information already posted?

Since this seems to bother you so much, I used Google for 3 minutes on your behalf. I accept Paypal. 181 MM refers to the diameter of the ring gear. 230 MM is believed to be a misprint (common) as the Dana 30 was only ever issued with a 181 MM ring gear. All axles on XJs are interchangeable, as I stated.

You're going to need to give a little more detail on "will only shift thru 2nd gear in 4 lo". Do you mean that when operating in 4LO the transmission will never get into third gear?

Now for the 64 million $ question...
What would you do here? swap 97 stuff to 96The 97 is gonna be parted/scrapped come spring...can the axles be swapped from 97 to 96? yes Is the 230mm front better than the Dana 30? no, same axle I just want the best cherokee I can get between the two and sell off whats left..

pm me for paypal info

@salad...yes, when operating in 4lo, the transmission will not shift into 3rd...it will wind up to redline in 2nd but will not shift any further up.

The transfer case in 4LO is designed to only be use up to 25mph. After that you risk overheating components as that range is for low speed power and torque. You shouldn't need to be in 3rd gear when running in 4LO.

Completely understood...just wondering if the restriction is a design or a flaw. Only ask because my 96 will roll all 4 gears. My step-sons 95 did as we'll...

Also @salad...didn't mean to snap earlier. A complete swap such as you referred to is just not an option. I don't have the time, resources or desire to tackle something so involved. I just want to swipe any special goodies from the 97 before it gets gone.

TCU Shift Points make use of the VSS on the back of the transfer case. I'm pretty sure that MAX THROTTLE while going ultra slow is going to prevent the computer from letting it shift.

I have a stick so 5th gear in 4 Lo is no problem lol

We'll alrighty then! Rear axle only it is...easy peasy

Thanx for the input...everyone...