I have a steady light grinding sound coming from somewhere in my rear. It's not a horrible gears grinding up sound just a steady light metal rolling sound as maybe a totally ungreased wheel bearing might make. Long story short..Instead of tearing everything apart I can get a complete rear from the salvage yard fairly cheap and just swap it out. I'm talking everything minus the wheels/tires. My question is...What would be involved in doing this as far as brakelines? I'd rather just swap it out rather than get into pulling the axle apart and using pullers and all that plus undoing all the rear brakes. Also might anyone know how far up I can go year wise and do a complete swap on my 1994 XJ? Obviously the newer the better. Thanks in advance.

 

Before you go to all that trouble, id pull the drums off and check your brakes. I had the linkage for my parking brake break off inside the drum and it make a similar kind of noise.

 

^X2 and maybe try an get a rear end that is an upgrade, ei chrysler 8.25 out of a 4cyl xj that would have 4.10's

 

reguardless what you do...... a complete swap isn't the easiest way out worst case you got a pinion bearing wiped out and that is a 2hr job if you got a buddy good with diffs (and the beer waits til after you are done) and is $60 in parts.. if you want an excuse to upgrade then have at it

 

and all xjs years will work,watch that you match axles if your ratios are off then you can munch your transfer case up when you pull the lever