In looking at the Jeep Cherokee XJ Wikipedia page, in the "Axle Gear Ratios" section, one item in the list is "3.54:1, automatic transmission, I6 engine with Dana 44 rear differential."

I am installing that axle assembly in my XJ with the AX15 5-speed manual.

Wonder what the design differences are?

Wondering if this is a mismatch?

The front is going to be a 1996 Dana 30 3.55:1, high pinion, reverse cut, 297x/760 universal joint, 27-spline axle shaft.

 

I wouldn't put too much faith in Wikipedia. Where did you get your rear axle?

 

Out of an 88' XJ. But I bought it loose from a guy (he spent 2 years looking for a 44. Found it. Bought it... then got into a Land Rover instead ). I only know that it is from an XJ.

Just had the thing rebuilt. So I am a little nervous about this issue. I will kick my self if I screwed up.

 

i don't think there were 3:54 in Cherokees but I could be wrong. Even if it is the ratio is so close that I don't think it will cause a problem.

 

3.55....

Pop the cover and check the gear ratio. that was the only difference in the 44s.

 

3.55 Vs 3.54 gears isn't anything to worry about.

 

yes. the D44 in the xj were 3.54 while the fronts were 3.55. i have a few and no, that difference in ratio does not matter.

but since you are installing a hi pinion d30 with 3.55. you would be perfectly fine with those ratios.

but if you have a stick in your xj, you may have 3.07 front gears, so i would do a front to match the rear.

 

Yes, currently 3.07 front and rear. Purchased a Dana 44, 3.54 out of an 1988 XJ for the rear, and a Dana 30, 3.55 out of an 1996 XJ for the front.

The question isn't if the 3.55 and 3.54 will be OK. The question... is there anything about the Dana 44 3.54 that makes it more compatible with an automatic transmission vs. a manual transmission?

 

3.54 & 3.55 is compatible. That much difference is negligible. The difference is due to the overdrive ratio differences in the auto and manual trannys. The idea is that they picked a target rpm at cruise speeds for torque and milage. As long as you have the ratios matched between two and three percentage points is considered close enough.

 

the higher the gear ratio number, 3.55 vs 3.07 will help you with torque. 3.55 came in all 4.0L auto while 3.07 was popular with the 4.0L stick.

so in layman terms, you will be happier with the 3.55, especially if you are running slightly oversize tires.

 

Thank you to one and all for the info! Y'all are awesome.