bjh1225

My 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a noise in rear end. Not sure if it is a wheel bearing or a rear axle noise. Trying to ID the rear end so that we can buy a replacement one at the 'home for broken cars'. I have the 5.2 engine and Quadra Trak transmission . We have the factory service manual but it does not give the ID info for this car. Everything I read mentions 'Model 44 rear end' and supposed to have ID tag on side of unit. None there.

Also, is there a way to tell if you have the Limited Slip Differential on the same vehicle.

Thanks, bjh

chrisdm4

Yeah it is a dana 44

nick_n_ii

It's a alloy Dana 44..

And no you can't use any D44 parts in it. It's a odd axle.

bjh1225

Please explain what you mean by 'you can't use any D44 parts in it and it is an odd axle'. If it is a Dana 44 axle then why can't you use D44 parts.

Thanks, bjh

seed

A regular D44 is just a totally different axle than the D44A (aluminum center section) found under the grands and parts are not interchangeable,like nick said.

If you think you may have a bad wheel bearing why would you replace the entire axle?

nick_n_ii

The Alloy D44 uses a D60 pinion with a D44 ring gear. They are a different pitch than others and the carrier bearing size is also different so you can't use D44 lockers in it. The only known locker for that axle is the Aussie Locker. And you need to have a open carrier to run that.

If it helps the center section is the very same as the one used in First Gen Dodge Vipers. So any lockers or gears you find for a GenI Viper should work in your axle.

bjh1225

Nick, my husband fully understands your information. I have made a copy for him. He is getting hard of hearing so cannot always determine where an auto noise is eminating from. Often has to use his stethascope to pinpoint the location of a noise.


I do appreciate your response,

bjh

bjh1225

Seed, I am not sure I know the reason why my husband has given thought to 'swapping out' the rear axle. I am sure when he starts working on it that he will make the correct
repair. He has kept our vehicles in good repair for the past 58 years.

Thanks, bjh

ol"blue

A bad pinion bearing will be louder under acceleration or steady throttle, less noticeable when you release acc. pedal.
Bad carrier bearings the noise won't change between acc. and coast.
Bad wheel bearings can be identified by: the right bearing gets louder on a left turn when weight is transferred onto that side, and vice versa.

shorty24

I just bought a 1996 jeep grand cherokee limited all whell drive 4x4. I haven't owned it 25 days now. where do I start? it was bought as is but he did replace parts n the rear end. I know nothing about thevrear end its a v8 w/ 5.2 engine
please any help is greatley appericared. thanks becca

seed

What exactly "fell out"?

shorty24

well nothing fell off. but the rear end is busted. I don't know anything about this vechial but the man I bought it from wants me to find a rear end for it and I don't even know what to look for.gear ratios,type of rear end that kinda stuff.

seed

If you need a whole new rear,you need a D44A with 3.73 gears. The easiest thing to do is find one from a 96-98 V8 grand you'll be good to go.


Rear axles and ratios in ZJs:
93-98 4.0 w/o tow package; d35 3.55
93-98 4.0 w/ tow package; d35 3.73
93-95 5.2; d35 3.73 (some early, non-tow ZJs have 3.55s)
96-98 5.2; d44a 3.73
98 5.9; d44a 3.73

shorty24

ok its not a dana44. that's what the guy I bought it from said it was.well thank you very much for your help.Now I can start the hunt for the right rear end. is there anything I should ne weary of since he's buying the part and putting it in signs I should look for when it is replaced?

ol"blue

This will help you tell which axle you have.

Axle Identification
Image of the Diff Covers for the 4 axles that can come stock in and XJ.