First time post. Excuse beginner ignorance. I recently purchased my first jeep, a 95 Grand Cherokee V8, AT, full time 4x4, 249 xfer case with 190K miles. I want to fix it up for my son. I bought it with a known front axle problem. After checking it out, the right front axle is broken on the end. I will probably buy a used complete front differential, but am having trouble locating a 373 diff. I will probably end up just removing the axle out of the used diff and replacing. Only issue is I want to find out what caused the axle to shear off. I suspect binding up on dry pavement may have caused this but not sure. Any suggestions on what to check first. I have read about xfer case viscous failures, but not sure if that would cause axle failure. What component in this truck senses whether the pavement is wet or dry and in turn engages or disengages the AWD. Should I also replace the xfer case with another 249? THanks.

 

If you have CV axles you can replace the shaft for about $50, a lot cheaper than a whole axle plus you don't have to worry about gear ratios. I swapped the 249 on my 93 for a 242 (had it laying around or I would have gotten a 231) but my case was shot.

 

I would go with a 231 or 242. I don't like the AWDs. I like to know when I'm in 4WD and when I'm not. The 249 wears on the shafts and u-joints alot faster.

 

thanks for the info guys. ive heard that i also have to replace the computer if i go with a different xfer case like 231 or 242? is this true? also what spline 231 xfer case do i need for the 95 V8 AT, as i hear they make two a 21 and 23? i suspect i need a 23 but not sure.

 

Never heard that before.
And X2 on just replacing the axle shaft. Check the hub bearing while you're in there.
And Welcome to CF!
Dan

 

The PO must have done something (hard off-roading?) because my '97 still has the original shafts. Even if the viscous coupling in the t-case was bad it wouldn't cause a broken axle shaft. Not even on dry pavement. IMO
Dan

 

PO was a lady, wife of a friend and judging from the looks of the truck i dont think it was ever taken off road. i think i will just replace the axle shaft for 60 bucks and see where it goes. thanks for all your assistance.

 

Sounds like my Jeeps. They're strictly on-road vehicles. Post some pics if/when you can.
Here's my '97. And '04.
Dan

 

Again, thanks all for your help. I fixed my Cherokee yesterday by replacing the CV axle, for 60bucks. Easy job, just had to heat the hub bolts. Hub bearing seemed fine. Works like a charm. I must say for my first jeep, Im impressed with this jewel, especially for the $175 bucks or so I have invested in it, counting the purchase price of $100. Will post pics soon. And Dan, that is a fine looking jeep you got there. That white paint is sharp.

 

I'm glad you got it fixed, and are happy with it.
And thanks for the compliment.
Dan

 

still have some binding on dry pavement after replacing the axle. one option im considering is going to a 242 select trak xfer case. can i replace my V8 249 xfer case with a 242 without changing out the input/output shafts. if found a 95 242 select trak out of a I6 and was wondering if there is any surprises i have to worry about running into? i can also get both 242 drive shafts with the deal.

since my existing tranny has 200k and is a little slow going into reverse and has converter moan when cold, i am considering swapping out the whole tranny as option 2. i found a new jasper tranny in a 96 with I6 and 242 select trak. question is will the 96 I6 tranny with 242 xfer case bolt up to my 95 V8 without any major changes? want to sort as much of this out as i can before i take on this project.

 

Well.. I know of one case of a 249 equipped ZJ and a driver behaving stupidly on dry pavement causing a CV to blow..

 

wont work. since yours is a v8 is a totally different trans. regarding the tc issue. I'm pretty sure you have to pull it apart to swap shafts

 

Here are some links that might help answer your questions
http://www.delta4x4club.com/TECH/JEE...2TCASESWAP.php
http://www.nagca.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24189
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f13/2...d-pics-239528/