MuscleHead

Hi guys just registered so take easy on my noob self


What i am planning on getting is a 95 cherokee with a 5.2L V8.I need to know a few things before i buy if you guys could help me out in a pinch without having to research heavily considering i want to buy it before someone else does.

1) What axles came under the cherokke with a v8 powerplant?
2) I was told it was full time 4wd but had a low range and high range selection. IS their a way to get 2wd rang or a possible transfer case swap?
3)Would this be able to handle 33-35" tires with the stock drivetrain?
4) Does the front axle use sealed hub bearings similar to the fullsize dodge trucks?

Thanks for all the help and hopefully i will be a cherokee owner tomorrow.

mrfajita

By your description, it is not a Cherokee (XJ), but a 1st gen Grand Cherokee (ZJ)
Pretty sure both rear axles are junk (Dana 44A and Dana 35)

MuscleHead

I know a 35 wont hold up to much wheeling. I was researching wranglers until i found this deal. Why would a d44 be junk? I though they were considered fairly strong for 33s-35s?

Char92dj8

But the ones under the ZJs are junk.. i dont remember why
i know i read it somewhere

bikerider

Dana 44A as in aluminum, not like a standard Dana 44.

MuscleHead

Ahh got ya. Im guessing the front is the standard dana 30? Any info on the transfer case question guys?

mrfajita

Low pinion Dana 30 up front. I think that is a NP 249 tcase. I am sure there is a way to swap a 231 but I don't know that much about ZJs

MuscleHead

Is the transfer case in these as reliable as a 231? So far the only downfall with this rig from the comments above would be the rear end. Im sure a 8.8 swap is all i would need correct.

fallenknight308

I would stay away from that model, possibly cv axles, v8, lp D30....nah...I would pass.
try and find a 91+ XJ with low mileage.

MuscleHead

I didnt think ifs went on these rigs till a few years later when the body style changed. Main reason im after this is for it having a factory 318 and auto. Its going to be a buildup so having to upgrade axles are no biggy. Gives me something to do in the shop instead of hearing the wife nag. I thought the d30 was a reliable axle for 33s or does it have to be with it being a low pinion? Not real familiar with pinion types. Whats the drawback of it being lp?

MuscleHead

So anyone for sure if its ifs or straight axle? IVe been reading some bad reviews on the full time transfer case from a few searches.

brutalxj

I would just buy an XJ with a I-6 and 8.25 rear. I feel better power to weight. And less useless crap to brake. Run 33-35 all day might have to use 4-low a little much but it will work. No axle swaps no T-case prob. just a one weekend lift tires and trimming and use it for what it was intended for.

MuscleHead

Thanks i will take everyone advice and drop that one. I was looking for wrangler but cherokees seem to be cheaper and the v8 option is a cool find plus they have more storage for camping gear. What year model XJ came with a v8 option?

ct67_72

no xj came with a v8. I wish you got better axle options with the zj's. I really like them. You can easily find a high pinion d30. if you need to. and swap in a 8.8 like you said. I had a 93 with the 6 cylinder. swapped in 231 t case. the only thing is the shift indicator will be wrong unless you change it.
It had a 8.8 and a rubicon d44 front on 36's. It was great. I would love to have another one. I think they are different and a litle nicer than the xj although thats what I have now.
If the vehicle is right, the mileage is right and the price is right, do it. Then address what you need to so its what you want.
here was mine

MuscleHead

Nice setup bro. Well after adding some things up on what it would take to make it trail worth without breaking i decided to ditch it.Started searching local classifieds i found a 2000 Xj with low miles for a lil more money. I believe im going to try and contact them tomorrow about it. I really like the idea of just lifting it and sling tires under it and go. Means i will have extra cash to lock it up and gear it quicker. What does the front axles on these use to engage 4wd? Ive looked at pics and seems the front axle has no bearing assemblies to wear out. Is this true? I come from wheeling a fullsize dodge rams and hated changing hub bearings.