Thanks for the info Dave. No i dont have a lift or dont think so. As far as whether theres any leaks in any of the seals i dont know. But i am gonna leave the seals alone. I want to get it back together. At least i'll have them if i notice a leak later.. And the new axle is covered in grease and its green underneath that. I saw a few jeeps there with green front and back axles. Not sure what that means? So i dont think it will need paint once i degrease it.

 

Im back! Just finishing up the jeep after nearly 2 months. The acle was a nightmare putting back in. Well got the driveshaft on. my question is does it need clips on these open ends? The front part where it just has those brackets over it seems not very secure for holding on something that controls my cars driving. ���� I bought universal ones at oreilly. I dont know how I missed grabbing the stock ones when I pulled it at the yard.

 

Do you see those chunks of metal overlapping the ends of the caps? That's your built-in snapring.

 

If you get a used replacement diff make sure you check the spring holder cups on the axle housing shafts - rust out problem. Had a lot of problems last year getting a used front diff for my 94 ZJ because of that.

Reportedly the cups can be re-welded but have to be aligned just right.

 

The end caps have a built-in lip which is the same as a "snap-ring". That's exactly what it looks like from the factory.
The u-joints look original - if they are in good shape run them as-is but definitely keep those in mind if you have any driveline vibrations later on

 

I did buy new u-joints and I hate to admit I just really am in a hurry to get her back together and opted not to change them out. They do seem ok so we will see. Plus I'm pretty sure once I get her going shes gonna need a head gasket or even a whole new head. There is a lot of oil around it. There is also an exhaust leak that I'm not sure can be welded. So i know for sure she will need more work. trying to save where I can. I just filled up the diffs yesterday. That was a beeotch and I spilled oil on my leg which was no fun at all. I have to replace the calipers and do the new brakes. I also decided to buy all new ball bearings and track bar. So the whole front end will be new! Where do I look for the spring holder cups you guys mentioned?

 

I'm a newbie, but just wanted to share a little something from my minimal experience. I ended up getting a whole new rebuilt diff., but you are well beyond that level.

So, I'll leave responses to others.

Like to watch the development.

D

 

He's talking about the round brackets that are welded to the axle that the springs sit in. I've never researched where to get them or if they are even available. They CAN be hand fabricated, but....