Just realized that the universal joint on the drive shaft has been welded to the drive shaft on my 94 cherokee, So I am looking at total replacement. How detrimental is though?

 

obviously somecone couldnt spend $20 on a new U-joint

 

Front or rear DS?

 

Got a pic of the weld? you may be able to grind it off. I've done light spots on joints before to make sure the caps never come off but still serviceable.

 

Some people tack the caps to the axle when they do ujoints...

 

Its the pinion shaft yoke. Just took a better look at it today.

 

Will try and get some pics soon you have to see this.But it is the pinion shaft yoke and I realise I can replace it, but now I got worse problems cause one of the shock mounts on the housing is completely gone. Did'nt see that just thought I needed back shocks.I was thinking of having one fabricated and welded on but looking into the cost plus replacing the shaft yoke I think it is safer and more econ to just get a complete rear diff. Agree?

 

The shock mount on the axle is fairly simple. Just gotta get someone who can weld.

Its an XJ. You'll find lots of rust in lots of places you wish it wasn't.

 

A shock mount is easy. I would cut the mounts off cause they hang to low anyways and relocate the shock mounting point to the axle tube itself.