Toreyjw1

it appears that this rear end is locked full time. around corners, it jumps and binds as if i had a locker engaged. its a quadratrac 2 btw

I want to replace it with aussie locker. my question is, will i need to repalce the whole axle, diff and all wiht a open diff?

or can i remove the vari-lok setup, install open diff axles and drop the aussie in?

any help or input with the compatibility is greatly appreciated!

I am a an idiot when it comes to jeep technicalities this is my first!

please help! THANKS!!!

its a 99 wj full time 4wd.

Xj88

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/99-...ckedup-182951/

Why did you start an additional thread on the same exact issue?

Toreyjw1

I apologize! the other one I posted was from my mobile. It didn't seem to post. I see it now. This new thread is a little more specific.

Are there and identifiers as to which axle o should be looking for? I prefer an open so I can install an after marker locker in it. The guy at Aussie just said they're working on a 'conversion' for the vari-loc strips but as of now, it can't happen easily.

Xj88

What axle is in there now?
The D35, or the 44a?

If its the 35 Im going to bet money its 3.55 gears..if im not mistaken all of the 44a's came with 3.73s..which wont work..unless you regear the fronts to match (or pickup a d30 from a wj with 3.73)

Toreyjw1

I have looked everywhere for something to determine the axle is there an easy to tell or am I an idiot? I even used a comparison chart and it resembled a d60 a whole lot.

My thoughts were to find a junk yard setup with a open diff and do an exile swap. The only thing I need to watch there is the ratios right? Thanks a whole lot

Xj88

Take a pic of it..
A d44a is is almost hexagonal..
A d35 is just an oval shape

Toreyjw1

I see faintly a 373 so I'm guessing I've got 3.73's

Xj88

Probably.
if it resembles a Dana 60 its.most likely a 44

muffinman

Vari- lok, Only available in 44HD. Also referred to by 44a. Vari-loks only came with 3.73, Hope this helps

Toreyjw1

So heres a new development. I jacked up the rear end and sure ****, the tires spin freely and opposite direction. What could cause the locking while making sharp turns?

I am beyond stumpped

Paco182

If the differential oil was changed without a limited slip additive it would bind up. A bottle of Mopar additive is $10 from the stealership.

Toreyjw1

So that way my suspicion. Does anyone know what the proper procedure is to swap out the gear oil? My intention is to start there.

On that note, are there any services a new Cherokee owner should take care of above and beyond the typical tune up?

Toreyjw1

So I have the quadra-trac 2 system. with the tc labeled 247 J with 2.72. If this is true, then all the literature ive found says I do NOT have vari-lok diffs?

is there a way to determine that? the tag on the diff indicated 3 73. if it were equipped with the lsd, it should be labeled 3L73 correct?


I am suspicious that either there is a locker installed that is hyper sensitive OR there is another issue im not aware of because as soon as i make a corner, my inside tire jumps as if it were locked up. and the diff acts like an open diff while jacked up

Any help is greatly appreciated because i am BEYOND STUMPED

Thanks!!!

Paco182

You can change diff oil with a catch pan. Loosen the bolts, drain and clean it out. Bolt it back up with a gasket or silicone and fill up to spec (usually the bottom of fill hole).
The Vari-Lok differentials were not available on the quadra-trac 4wd equipped WJ's for 1999-2000. The Trac-Lok was optional on all models for 1999, though it was not available with a V8. So if you have the V8 it didn't roll out of the factory with a limited slip differential. Should you have the I6 there is a possibility. The only real way to know what's in your axle is to open it up. Can't hurt, besides the diff oil probably hasn't ever been changed.

dave1123

What I would do is take the rear cover off, wash it out with kerosene, and look it over. That's the only real way of knowing what you have and it's general condition.