Harbinger

I have a 1998 Jeep Cherokee classic sport inline 6 4.0 liter engine 2 wd. My rear end seal is bad, and now it feels like the tail end is slipping out from underneath me when i turn, along with the smell of old urine and burnt pine. Any ideas?
I am new to owning jeeps, and this site.
found it on google, and you guys seem very on point. So who is up for the challenge?
Oh are there any other rear axles that I can swap with the one I have? I want posi-traction.
THANKS!

Harbinger

Rear axle, rear seals, rear end, differential,

Gee oh Dee

Posi is a gimmic term used by a certain auto manufacturer.

You want either a limited slip differential, or a locking differential.

Any axle from under any XJ Cherokee will bolt right in. Your 2wd so you dont need to worry about gearing.

Manual XJs came with 3.07s, autos came with 3.55s, with minor and rare exceptions.

3 rears were available, rare d44, then the d35 and 8.25.

Harbinger

Thanks, just had one of my brothers look at it, and yea... it's done. Think i can get it fixed under the recall for rear end seals, and fluid changes?

Gee oh Dee

$50-$150 at a junk yard (depending on your local prices) will get you back on the road.

Tyler01

Didn't 4 cylinder xj come with 4.10?

Gee oh Dee

Yes, but those are rare as I suggested in my first post.

MoparNJeep

I found a 86 xj 4 cylinder auto in jy with 4.56. Dana 30\35. They are out there.

Gee oh Dee

I didn't say there were none out there. I almost bought an entire 4 cyl truck for $900.

They are just more rare than the other available models.

MoparNJeep

I would even bother personally, fronts are vac disconect and 35 is weak. If you can find 97+ 4cyl axles those would be worth it. But i imagine those are significantly more rare than the older models.

Xj88

Yup..there were rare options for 4.56 gears in a 4cyl auto..but ive only seen 1.

Id just hunt down a 29 spline 8.25 and be done.

Harbinger

Thanks guys, took it to the dealership today got it looked at. rear diff seal was leaking. They drove it with me tried to feel what I had experienced, my ride along mechanic was a great guy w/30 + yrs experience. He gave it a solid overall rating, just check the tranny, and diff fluids. They refilled it, no metal shavings present, and slapped me over the noggin for $ 150.55. Could have been worse.
Will continue to post any ? s or info as i decide which way i want to take this jeep.