bigred33

I'm new to the 4wd scene and I'm trying to figure out what kind of axles and differentials are stock on a 96 zj with a 318 this my first 4wd and all I've done so far is a 3 inch lift with 33x10.5s

Bustedback

Dana 30 up front and a Dana 44a (aluminum housing) in the rear.

bigred33

Thanks I really appreciate it. Do you have any suggestions on changing the gears. Does the front have to be the same ratio as the rear?

123456bmx

Yup,gears need to match front and rear.

bigred33

OK cool thanks again

NewJerseyXJ609

Do you plan on going bigger than a 33 in the future?

bigred33

Most likely gonna go to 35's after my 33's wear out. I was curious about the gears and all that because I think I broke something last night when I went wheeling. As previously stated I don't know much about 4wd's but I know my way around a car. I've not had a chance to look at it because its too cold and snowing here in Ohio
I know the front passenger side is making a bunch of noise and its awd quadatrack but I'm able to power brake it which tells me something is F's up . I don't know if its just an axle or the differential

NewJerseyXJ609

Going off the info I have gathered if you plan on going with 35s In the future you should go with 488's.

When you get a chance visually check the front right side for anything broken. Check the u joint on the axle shaft for starters...

bigred33

OK it will be a while before I go with 35's like next tax season I just put new kumho 33x10.5's on it since I could only afford a 3 inch lift right now. Which brings me to my next question I put the 3 inch cup lift on it with new bilstein shocks and it sits lower in the back its not level. I read something about putting v8 front springs in the rear for more lift. Is that true?

NewJerseyXJ609

Zjs are not my strong point so for a definitive answer I would wait on someone more zj handy.

I do know when I put my brothers 3inch lift on his zj the front coils went in the back and new coils went up front. His had the 4.0. So without knowing for sure I would say you are correct.

bigred33

OK that works. Thanks

Bustedback

First of all, don't power brake an AWD vehicle. Secondly, you have a NP249 transfercase with a viscous coupler that splits the power between the front and rear axle, they make a lot of noise when they're fried from a newb power braking an AWD vehicle. Swap is an NP231 tranfercase and be happy with a better case.

bigred33

OK what's that out of and only reason I power braked it was to see it the awd was working. I've not had a chance to look at it because it's cold and its a third vehicle (toy) I've I'm 31 and been into muscle cars most of my life. The 4wd scene is new to me and I want my gc to be tough

Bustedback

Do some figure eights and listen for popping and feel for binding. The NP249 is not a very tough transfercase and has no aftermarket support, the 231 is a tougher case and offers 2wd. It also has good aftermarket support to beef it up more. It's a simple swap with a little research and tools.

bigred33

OK I believe you so is that out of a Cherokee because I was just talking to someone about about how to go from awd to being able to put it into 2wd and they said all i need is the front axle and transfer case out of a Cherokee