most jeeps lean. "gangsta lean"

 

If your springs were really really really really bad maybe... you can twist the rear antisway bar with your hands...

 

Hi,

I tried the search function but it didn´t come up with anything useful.
Could someone tell me the difference between the different axles on the XJ´s? Which one do you think is the best? I heard so much about axle conversions but I´m kinda lost. I know how I can identify the axle though...

Thanks

 

Dana 35 found in many XJs is considered the weakest of all the rear axles. There is a very old variant that doesn't use C-clips to retain the shafts but they're pretty uncommon and don't change the strength - just changes the failure mode.

27-spline Chrysler 8.25 found in 1991 to 1996 model year XJs is essentially the same strength as a Dana 35. It is a C-clip axle. It can be upgraded to the same strength as a newer one but most of the guts need swapping... which you'd be better off just swapping entire axles.

29-spline Chrysler 8.25 found in 1997 model year and newer XJs is considered very strong and is quite cheap to acquire. The extra two splines are where the axle shaft slides into the differential, but also the neck of the shaft is considerably thicker.

The Dana 44 was available prior to 1991 and is considered the strongest of all the XJ rear axles. It uses bearings and retainers instead of the C-clips. It is difficult to find and most expensive of all the options, although there is a lot of aftermarket support.

Disc brake conversions can be had very easily on the D35 and C8.25 axles. D35s from ZJ Grand Cherokees have the same fitment so it's a direct swap. C8.25 has the same mounting pattern but a slightly larger axle tube, so a few minutes enlarging a hole is all that's necessary. XJ Dana 44 has an odd pattern and disc brakes are more challenging to fit.

ABS was only available on the Dana 35. All other axles are non-ABS.

The Dana 35 is slightly smaller than the rest of the axles, so XJs equipped with this axle have longer driveshafts.

Axles that use C-clips are prone to the wheel sliding out if the axle shaft breaks. This is so unlikely to happen on a stock Jeep that I might as well have not typed it. But this can happen on a Dana 35 with large tires. Disc brakes mitigate this problem as the caliper will basically hold the wheel on for a short little while. Not enough to drive home on, but enough to get you off the trail.

Also the in-site search feature is nearly completely useless. If you want to find information use Google but add "site:cherokeeforum.com" in your search. Excellent results - that's how I find most of my stuff.

 

Thanks, that helps a lot!!!

Is here a thread on the different upgrades the different years and models have I´m talking about AC, ABS, power windows and stuff like that.

 

Not really a single thread but they sure exist for the various topics. There are no upgrades for ABS or power windows lol. What year XJ do you have? Good starting point is to ask Chrysler for a build sheet to find out what you had originally. Many threads on that too!

 

Thank You!!!

that's why the check engine light comes on when you pull it -- the computer needs a resistance there -- seems like the easiest way to manually operate it is to switch in a resistor to that line -- next weekend I get to play with it

 

I didn't buy one yet. Thats why I want to gather the info. I want to know whats the best fit for me.

So you are saying there is no power windows or ABS in any of the XJ's, right?
Did any of the models come with AC and power steering? Sorry for those question but you know how good the descriptions on craigslist are.

Thanks,

 

Oh thats how you mean. Yes there are threads like that I think. I mean "there are no upgrades to ABS" - either you have it or you don't. Power steering is on virtually every XJ. A/C, power windows, locks, keyless entry, CD, etc were all options and also bundled with some trim packages like Classic. The definitions change over the years and people tend to rip things out or add them, so you'll have to leave the question of what an individual XJ might have down to that individual XJ.

 

Sorry for not being clear enough
Ok, that also helps. You can image that a vehicle with no AC is just a no go in AZ :-) But still there are a lot without.
I'll keep looking for a good and stock XJ...

 

What would you guys consider a reasonable price for this? 97 xj 4.0 19x,xx auto 8.25 rear. 3in skyjacker lift 3/4 or more 31 10.50s on American racing rims. Tubed winch bumper and rear matching. Adj iro trac bar. Newer ball joints rotors brakes calipers. Aftermarket stereo and speakers. New aux fan. radiator ,temp sensor, thermostat, newer cat, thrush turbo muffler and new downstream o2 sensor. I have inner and outer rocker panels in it just not on. New inspection. In wv. So after all of that's wat should I ask for it.

 

It's skyjacker lift

 

Whats the mileage on it?

 

192xxx. Still runs really good everything shifts smooth. I just don't drive it too much anymore.

 

192xxx runs great shifts smooth. 4x4 works great. Also new tie rods