Tips on rear ends
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 55
Likes: 1
Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 High Output
I have a 1994 jeep cherokee country 2wd. A while back a converted it to 4WD by using a 1991 Jeep cherokee laredo axles. The rear end went out on me so now im goin to change the axle again. Does anyone know what kind of axle I need. A dana 44? or 35?. What is the gear ratio? also just add any more tips or the axle swap. and if anyone needs any more information then just let me know becuase i know all about my cherokee. I just don't want to mess this up because it will ruin my transfer case if i do it wrong.
CF Veteran


Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 6
From: Bristol,Pa
Year: 94
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Automatic should have a 3:55 ratio while the manual will have a 3:07.
Replace the rear axle to match what you have.. or you'll need a new rear driveshaft as well. You can use either the D44 or D35.
Replace the rear axle to match what you have.. or you'll need a new rear driveshaft as well. You can use either the D44 or D35.
CF Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,989
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, WA.
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 liter RENIX I-6, DIY Cold Air Intake, 2.5 FM Exhaust, 3 Core Radiator
Get a D44 rear axle out of an 87 XJ or get a ChryCo 8.25 rear axle out of a 91 or newer XJ. The important thing will be to match the rear gears with the front gears otherwise you will be paying for a gear swap, as well. If you match the gears it should bolt right in.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 11
From: Chico,ca
Year: 89
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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There should be a flat metal tag about 3" long it should be on the left side of the front diff cover it will be held on by 2 of the the diff cover bolts.
If the Tag is gone then you will need to know what options the cherokee you took them out had to know what it has like engine and tranny type.
If you dont know that then you will to find it 1 of 2 ways place a mark on the tire while its lifted in there air and turn the front drive shaft and count the number of tmes it takes to turn the drive shaft until the mark on the tire make 1 full turn to find the ratio.
Or take the cover off and check for the ratio on the ring gear.
If the Tag is gone then you will need to know what options the cherokee you took them out had to know what it has like engine and tranny type.
If you dont know that then you will to find it 1 of 2 ways place a mark on the tire while its lifted in there air and turn the front drive shaft and count the number of tmes it takes to turn the drive shaft until the mark on the tire make 1 full turn to find the ratio.
Or take the cover off and check for the ratio on the ring gear.
Those look like part numbers. Remove the cover and count the number of teeth on the ring gear, lets say you count 35. Then count the number of teeth on the pinion, lets say 10. So:
35/10=3.5 the ratio would be 3.5:1
35/10=3.5 the ratio would be 3.5:1
LOL you just said the ratio
the 55 610502 on the tag isnt all the numbers
The 55 is the end of the ratio number the number your mission is the 3. that is before it take the tag off the axle or take the bolt off and read it better there will be a 3. before the 55 610502
I bet that it will be 3.55 610502 the (3.55) is your ratio


