I have a 2001 Cherokee Sport 4liter, auto, 4x4 with a dana 35 3.55 rear end.


now here is the issues. it has over 240,000 miles and we knew the bearings were gone, but while tearing it apart we found the ring and pinion were worn out also. when they ordered a new set they came in needing smaller bolts( old were approx. 1/2 and these are approx. 7/16.


1 why the difference? was there a difference depending on years?


2 what do we do? don't like the idea of using smaller bolts in the carrier that has holes for large bolts, not having shoulder of bolt holding against carrier looks like it would slip the size difference of the small large bolts????


having problems finding complete rear end, they ordered another set of gears to see what bolts they need.
any help will be appreciated.

 

I would go to the junkyard and get a used one.

Do you have ABS?

 

I would replace the complete differential with a Chy 8.25 from a 97-01 XJ much stronger read end and a direct replacement. Most all of them were 3.55 gears also with the 4.0/AW4. Both of these came in your 01 XJ.

 

I did this in my 89 XJ, got a 8.25 for $150 that was complete to replace my D35 with grinding bearings. Took me about an hour to do the complete swap by myself. Way easy. had 3.55 gears in both.