I found a project 1999 WJ, 4.0 auto 242 t-case 150k, body is in decent shape, and interior is not too bad, but the guy doesn't want very much for it. He just put new tires and calipers rotors and pads on all corners.
Now the problem is, he said it needs a new rearend. According to him, his wife was driving it home down the highway, and it just started slowing down until it came to a stop, even as you hit the gas it wouldn't move. He went to help her out and and said the rear driveshaft was spinning, but no power was hitting the wheel. he put it in 4 full time and limped it home and he said it drove fine that way.
Any ideas on what it could be before I drive 45 mins to take a look at it? I figured worst case it needs a new axle assembly which I could find at a local junkyard. To me it sounds like it could be a broken axle shaft, but looking for some input.

Thanks!

Those WJ's usually have the D35 rear axle, based on what your sayin, is it sounds like it could be the Spyder gears or the ring & pinion. If it was a snaped axle or something, the axle would walk out. "C" clips are holding the axle in at the differential, so it's not a broken axle. If you have to play with the gears, that could cost some money ($500.00??). Low ball him on the price. He doesn't have a lot of options. & would take what he can get. Pull the Diff cover in the back, check the fluid that comes out. It'll probably have all sorts of gears in it...

thats not what I wanted to hear.. But I did find the local pull a part has 3 1999-2000 WJs and rear axle assembly are $121, its just not something I want to do when its 20 degrees out..
I might go take a look at it today and let you know what happens!

It's really not a big issue if the price for the WJ is right. All depends what you want to do. If it is only busted up spyder gears, that's like a 30 min fix in your garage with basic tools. if ring & pinion is req'd, contact a drivetrane shop & get a quote. Might be worth it if the guy sells the WJ to you for $1500. Dumping $500 or $600 into it isn't bad. Also, if you're looking to build it up, good time to regear & add lockers...... I'm a huge fan of the WJ's with 6" lifts & 33" tires...

Good luck

I thought about lifting it, but it wouldn't happen right away.. I'm not very experienced with gears, but what is the process of swapping in new spyder gears vs the whole ring and pinion?
Thanks again for the help!

Changing the spyder gears is quite easy compared to setting up a new ring & pinion. That is intense and critical to being done properly. You'll know better after you get into it. If it is just the cross shaft and spyders, you can pull the carrier assembly out and repair it. Make sure the ring & pinion haven't been nicked by broken teeth because gear teeth are the hardest thing in nature short of diamond. If the ring and pinion are damaged, I recommend replacing them, or the whole rear end. Your choice.

Just remember the ratio! both the front and rear must be the same.

On a side note: the axles on my 99 GCL are held in by the retainer holding the bearing, no c-clip. Had to replace right rear axle bearing and had to use a slide hammer to get it out.

Well it was suppose to be as a trade, and after talking for a few days, as we were suppose to meet they backed out.. So I guess it wasn't meant to be.

In that case, it could be a snapped axle. Probably broken at the spline.

Yeah, and I bet it has fire damage and the smell of a corpse in the rear seat. It's a good thing they backed out.

Actually, I'm willing to bet it's a flood car. You know, as in Sandy?