I am replacing the wheel axle U-Joints in my 96 XJ (4door-IL6) due to "play" described during inspection. Anyway, got the hub/axle assembly out and got the old u-joint pressed out and went to my local auto parts store and got new ones. Slight problem in that what's in there is bigger than what is listed at the parts store. The end caps are larger. The guy at the counter searched forever to try and find something that matched, with no luck. Everything I see on the hub/axle seems to be stock, dana 30 and so forth. The U-joint on my jeep was marked "FI SPICER 600 20". The end cap is about 1-1/8th inches. The new ones from the store are only about 1 inch plus a hair. Is there any other way to identify what might be in my my jeep? Axle tube diameter, or diff markings?

Any help would be appreciated....

 

Don't know if this will help, but when I asked the qustion about front axle shaft compatability, a senior member provided the following reply. Maybe it will steer you in the right direction.

The older shafts will have a 260 ujoint, smaller than the 297 later shafts. Look for a 95+ or ABS shaft.. as they will be 297 jointed.

Try running 260 u-joint thru Google or even CF's search engine. Google comes up with info on Spicer

Hope that helps

-bob-

 

I too had same problem. I ended up figuring it out the. Advanced auto parts listed two types for my cj. One had the c clips on the outsides and one style had them in a grove on the side. I needed the ones with the clip on the outside then returned the others. Do a search. Someone posted the part number like 2 weeks ago for it

 

Thanks for the info. I found eventually at yet a third auto parts store (p-boys) that the difference is related to the bearing size. I didn't know what I had, so I guessed the biggest one they had and viola. Same. Now I know my bearing size must be 1.88. Got the u-joints in and going to test drive tomorrow am.

 

Next time you need front axle steering knuckle U-joints for your 96 XJ just tell the guy at the parts counter you need 297 U-joints and he will sell you the correct ones the first time. If he doesn't, he has no business working at an auto parts store.

 

I had the same problem today. Borrowed a vehicle and went back to the parts store. He brought out the ones for an XJ with ABS and they were the right size even though I do not have ABS. Probably just a mix-up in their books as it seems everyone is having the issue.