Oops. 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo needs right rear bearing and seal replaced. Looked at the chart of differential covers and none match mine. Has rubber plug and is pretty much round with two bolts across top instead of one at peak. Can post photo if I knew how or can email one. Other wise looks a bit like the Dana at top or Chrysler 8.5. Any clues would be appreciated.

 

From the factory, your rear differential should look like one of these two:

Dana 44a


Dana 35


Chrysler never offered their 8.25" axle in a Grand Cherokee.

However, it's possible someone swapped it out.

 

If you have a V8 it's a Dana 44a, if you have the I6 you have the Dana 35. The 44a was used in all V8 ZJs from 96 to 98.

 

Hey, Busted. Does the Dana 44a use roller wheel bearings and c-clip axle retention like the D35c?

My WJ has a D35 without c-clips and had caged ball bearing units on the axles.

 

Not sure, I've never had the pleasure of ripping into a 44a.

 

Checked my 1997 "ZG" FSM - apparently the D44a (named "216 Rear Beam-design Aluminum") does indeed have C-clips.

 

Hey BungeeBob. If you're looking for a diff gasket, don't bother. RTV works very well. Just make sure your bolt holes are flat and clean it well. Your bearings are flat rollers that ride on the axle itself. You'll need a slide-hammer to remove them from the axle housing and replace the seals now. That way you won't have to pull it apart again to fix a leaking seal. I would do both sides for the same reason.