How many U Joints
 

I just purchased a 1996 Grand Cherokee Limited with 190,000 miles for $500. It has the 4.0 motor and is 4wd(don't know if this standard option) I'm currently in the process of replacing front end suspension. My question is how many U joints do I have, are they all the same sizes? I'm searched, but never find a defiant answer.

It depends on what transfercase you have. Some ZJs have CV front axles and driveshafts. Maybe you should crawl under and count the number of ujoint, then tell the guy behind the parts counter what you want.

Yeah, it's best to check it out yourself to see what you need before buying parts anyway. Why do you think it needs front end parts?

Steering is sloppy, very sloppy. This car is 20 years old, it's had a rough life from what I can see. It's going to be my winter vehicle. I know that I have U Joints and not CV joints. I want to know if all the U joints are the same size and how many. I believe that I have counted 7. In ready to order the correct parts. Winter is coming....

If you have u-joint axles, yeah, you've got 7 counting the rear shaft. However the front shaft generally has a double-carden joint on the transfer case end. That's a little tricky to change but I believe all the 5 joints on the driveshafts are the same. The axle joints are different but a little part number checking will tell for sure.

Are you sure you don't have a CV joint on the front driveshaft? If it's been lifted, someone could have changed it.

The sloppyness in your steering is probably tierod ends and steering box. Check the trackbar for worn bushings and front hub bearings, ball joints for wear. U-joints aren't going to help it steer better.

you will most likely need two spicer 297x front axle shaft joints and five spicer 1310 drive shaft joints. you also have a centering ball in between the two double cardon u-joints. you can either get just the ball to replace, or ball and yoke assembly from spicer.

you don't necessarily need spicer brand joints, but those are the spicer part numbers that you can cross reference for any brand of your choice.