nikola25

Hello cherokeeforum gurus,

I have a 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 6cylinder 4.0L and my rear axle appears to be on it's last leg. I was wondering what axle I have and what others are compatible because I see a 1999 Grand Cherokee rear axle listed on craigslist for $150 and I'd love to get it at that price if it's compatible. Sorry if this is posted in the wrong area but it looked like the proper place. Thanks a bundle,
-Nick

retread

your very best bet would be to go under and look. shape of cover & ratio will be stamped on the ring gear.best to be sure ... / safe. also why are you condemning your axle your best money and effort may be to fix it.

nikola25

My truck is making a horrible screaming sound from the rear when I drive so I took it to a mechanic and he drove it then brought it to the shop and put it up on a lift because he thought it was the outside bearings but he told me there is play in the axle and he believes it's the inside bearings. Then he quoted me at a $1k for a used axle and installation (600 for the axle). My truck has 199k miles on it and $1k seems like alot to put into it so decided to try to reduce the price by finding my own axle.

blackjack12982

Haha!! $600 for a used axle? And $400 labor installing it? I've gotten to the point where it would take under 2 hours to get the rear axle out and back in.

Short answer, the used 99 rear axle isn't compatible at all, it's different models. You need to look at the cover of your axle and find out what type of axle it is online. Google will tell you. Their should be a tag on the diff cover that says the axle ratio, 3.55 or 3.73. You have to have the same gears in the front as you do in the back.