SantosClaus

Hello, I have a 99 Jeep XJ 4x2 with a lifted 4x4 Rough Country 4.5 lift. I have a lot of rubbing and alignment issues because the lift is not for my XJ. Long story short, I have a deal to get Transmission, Transfer Case front axle assembly (4x4) and supporting part for around $400. My question is that I have to do the work myself and my first priority is the front end swap, so is it possible for me to run the jeep with the axle assembly intact without the transfer case connected? Will the diff and parts go bad spinning without a connection?

Lake00XJ

I'm not the right person to answer this, but I believe the power travels from engine to tranny to tcase to rear end. If the tcase is not connected, I don't think you will be going anywhere. Could someone else chime in?

Lake00XJ

Or do you mean the front drive shaft won't be connected to the tcase? You should be fine if that's the case. And if so, then you can disregard my first post.

SantosClaus

Yes I am only doing one thing at a time... I want to clean and restore the diff and axle components before I install them, same as the transfer case and Transmission. just want to make sure that they don't get damaged while it is just sitting there not connected... So to answer, yes it will not have the front drive shaft until I rebuild the transfer case.

Fred/N0AZZ

Welcome to the forum!


One thing you need to check is the gear ratio of the new D30 compared to your stock differential hopefully you have the Chy 8.25 in it and not the D35 with ABS brakes. Most stock ratios were 3.55's but could have been changed for larger tires in account, front and rear must match and the gear needed depends on your tire size you plan on running.


Yes you can run with the front driveshaft disconnected for a while without damage.

SantosClaus

I just got this XJ and the previous owner did not take account for theses things, but I think it is the Chy 8.25, because It is missing all the ABS stuff. I will be installing the Dana30 but I plan on re gearing both to 3.73 or 4.88. it has the lify and 33's on 15's and of course the speedo is off.

Hi desert xj

this is a Dana 25. The Cover is stamped Dana and generally has a rubber fill plug.




notice the flat edge on the bottom. That is a Chrysler 8.25"

SantosClaus

I will double check when I get off work, but from the pics, I have the Dana35

Hi desert xj

Sorry fat fingered the keyboard s/b Dana 35. Also to answer your question if you just replace the front axle, suspension and steering parts you should be ok without the trans, transfer case, and drive shaft. I ran mine with different gear ratios (3.55 and 4.10) without a drive shaft for a while without any problems. Its not ideal but its do-able. This is a good time to add a brace to the steering box if it doesn't have one already, the stock one is crap.