Wonder what I'll find in here
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Oconee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Pretty sure it's an open diff. Maybe 29 splines.
Will an aussie locker fit in this 96 rear end. Does anyone run one in a Chry and not recommended it?
I also gotta have the ruff stuff cover! Anyone have one? What did you use to (if painted) paint it?
Will an aussie locker fit in this 96 rear end. Does anyone run one in a Chry and not recommended it?
I also gotta have the ruff stuff cover! Anyone have one? What did you use to (if painted) paint it?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 952
Likes: 55
From: Eastern Long Island, NY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: I6 Cyl / 4L
How does the differential sound on acceleration and deceleration (this tells you how the bearings are doing)?
How many miles?
Did you open the fill hole to check fluid level? Probably the fill plug needs to be change for better seal. The outer tube seals need to be changed if they are original. And if you do that, might as well change the outer axle bearings and redo the drum brakes.
Don't know about the locker, though.
Good luck.
How many miles?
Did you open the fill hole to check fluid level? Probably the fill plug needs to be change for better seal. The outer tube seals need to be changed if they are original. And if you do that, might as well change the outer axle bearings and redo the drum brakes.
Don't know about the locker, though.
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Oconee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
I checked the level though the fill plug and it's for sure low. 189k on the rig, motor is out of a 1995 xj and has 93k on it. The outer tube seals and wheel bearings need replaced for sure and I will redo the drums whIle I got them off. Thanks
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Seasoned Member


Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 473
Likes: 8
From: Oregon
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 I6
What are you looking for? Are you pulling it apart for fun, to do basic maintenance, or is there an issue your trying to fix?
-What year is your jeep? If its a 96 I believe it should be a 27 spline. If its a 97 or newer I believe it will be 29 spline. (assuming it hasn't been swapped)
-As far as fitment of the aussie is concerned I dont think it matters what the build date is. If its a 27 spline then you will need a 27 spline locker, if its a 29 spline then you'll need a 29 spline locker.
-As far as the cover, just use spray paint. Its gunna get dinged up and dirty anyway. Just scuff up and clean the cover real well before you paint it. Good luck
-What year is your jeep? If its a 96 I believe it should be a 27 spline. If its a 97 or newer I believe it will be 29 spline. (assuming it hasn't been swapped)
-As far as fitment of the aussie is concerned I dont think it matters what the build date is. If its a 27 spline then you will need a 27 spline locker, if its a 29 spline then you'll need a 29 spline locker.
-As far as the cover, just use spray paint. Its gunna get dinged up and dirty anyway. Just scuff up and clean the cover real well before you paint it. Good luck
CF Veteran




Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,102
Likes: 364
From: Eustis, Florida
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Just a FYI, my 1996 Classic has a 29 spline Chrysler 8.25. Apparently late in the 1996 production year Jeep started to put the 29 spline in as OEM. I use a Powertrax No-Slip locker and have absolutely no complaints.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Oconee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
My jeep is a 1996 Classic. Build date 05/96. I will count the splines when I get the diff cover off. I am taking it apart to clean it and change fluid and the fill hole plug is leaking.
I thought I would put the rough stuff cover on because it has a screw type plug and better clearance and wouldnt be as susceptible to dragging a rock and leaking..
I thought I would put the rough stuff cover on because it has a screw type plug and better clearance and wouldnt be as susceptible to dragging a rock and leaking..
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Oconee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 94
Likes: 1
From: Oconee
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
So if my diff is a 27 spline I'll have to go with the power trax lockright locker? Aussie locker only comes in 29 spline.
What month was your 96 Classic built?
What month was your 96 Classic built?


