So, I and looking at picking up a certain Jeep Cherokee. However, it has its spider gear popped in the rear differential(not broken as far as I know, but I guess it could be). Now, I know I can get a good Dana 35 or Chrysler 8 1/4" for about $200 and just replace the entire axle assembly. I am not opposed to this, but if fixing the current axle takes a lot less time, thats what I would do.

The research I have looked into tells me that resetting a spider gear can be pretty difficult, requires finesse, etc.

Would it be less work to replace the axle? or to reset the gears? or replace them if the gear is broken? and any idea on how long it would take? Would I have to pull the axles out a bit? What's the best way to go about this?

 

if your going to buy a new axle to replace the spiders then get a lockrite locker and get rid of the spiders, then you end up with a functional axle and a locker

 

spiders dont just pop out some thing has to of broke post a pic

 

I was thinking the same thing. I've had a chipped spider gear in my Mustang before. I replaced both spider and side gears(you had to buy a kit).

I vote the lunchbox locker route, though.

 

yes, something else is bwoken too, they dont just fall out

 

A axle swap normally takes up to a hour.
Fixing whatever is broken in side the axle could take alot longer.

If it has a D35 then you might as well upgrade to the C8.25 its a direct bolt in.

 

That's what I wanted to know, thanks a lot Dan.

 

what year cherokee is it your talking about swaping the axle is faster unless you want to run a locker which is a good thing to have offroad and if its already the 8.25 axle than you would just have to install the locker unless you want to swap axles and have a spare to build up for a later date

 

My bet is the spiders are destroyed. I replaced spiders in a friends sunfire, not very fun, and they work alright until one day a tooth breaks which breaks all the other teeth.

x2 on a locker or upgrade to a c8.25 if you dont have one.

 

Its a 1990 Cherokee. And yeah, I was thinking about building up the axle afterwords to swap back in when need be.

Now, since I am probably going to pick it up this weekend, can I drive it with the spider gears broken? or would it be best to trailer it?

 

trailer it so as not to do anymore damage and the 1990 came with the d35 rear i know i have one the d35 can be a weak axle so if you have the opportunity to upgrade than do so and unless you want a spare for just in case than i wouldn't do much to the 35 but fix whats broke unless you wanna spend more to beef up the week points

 

X2 they do not just pop out...pics...Tj

 

Yeah, I have kinda figured out that they don't just pop out. Its obviously broken. I'll hopefully be picking up this Cherokee and the Chrysler 8 1/4 tomorrow. We'll see I guess.

 

Yea trailer it. if the spiders are broken then it's not going to drive very far or anyplace at all.