Hey guys, 2 questions with these pictures:
1) Can you please help me identify which axles I have front and back?
2) Do my leaf springs look worn out? At first I thought they definitely were because they're all flat, but then I realized my Jeep doesn't seem to sit that low, and now looking into it it seems like that might be how they're supposed to look on an XJ. If they are worn out, is that actually affecting handling beyond how low the car sits and how much flex I have? If not, I'll just replace shocks for now and save up for a better lift down the road.

Thanks!

 

You have a low pinion Dana 30 up front. Chrysler 8.25 in the rear and your springs look pretty decent. They're pretty close to flat when new. You have to worry when they start flexing the other direction.

If the rear sits a lot lower than the front then they're worn out. Just replace the shocks for now.

 

Thanks for confirming. Now to price some stuff out.

 

In addition to this measure the distance from the center of the wheel cap to the bottom of the fender flare. Stock height when empty is either 17" or 17.5"

 

Hey, thanks for sharing your expertise. Both axles are considered the more desirable ones compared to the high-pinion front and the rear Dana...whatever the other one is, right?

Also thanks for the info on springs. That's good news. I'll just buy some cheapo shocks for now and save up for a nice lift.

 

You have the better rear axle. Most folks prefer the High pinion Dana 30 but for something that's going to stay on the street there's nothing wrong with the low pinion.

 

low pinion is not desirable. 8.25 is a great axle.

 

I plan to lift it eventually and turn it into an expedition-style rig (just a 3" lift, at least while it's my DD). Is the low pinion harder on the driveline/u-joints, or is it the axle housing, ring gear, steering knuckles or what that make it undesirable?

 

The ring gear cut pattern and deflection is what most people complain about, if you're not gonna beat it hard, don't worry.

 

3 main reasons.

1. The pinion is lower so you have reduced ground clearance.
2. The pinion is lower so you'll have higher driveline angles.
3. The gear set is running on the weaker side. More gear deflection and more chance for breakage. This is the big reason.

With smaller tires you'll be fine. If not, they're easy enough and cheap enough to swap out at any time.

 

I'm kinda concerned here, ordered a HD CSF single core radiator from DPGoffroad and got it today but the warranty and instructions all say Vista-Pro is that correct?

 

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So they are two different companies? Or does one produce for the other?

 

I'd imagine that one produces for the other.

Call and ask them.

 

Yea I will, just not what I was expecting, hoping someone here would know from experience