stesul411

We have 2 jeep 4.0's: 90XJ 194000 mi, 80+psi cold, 35+psi idling hot, 50+psi on highway, 10W30 full synthetic, all pressures on autometer mechanical OP gauge (stock electrical gauge reads +-10 psi) 93 XJ 225000 mi, = 5-10psi as above, running 10w40 synthetic blend. I'd look at a worn oil pump, or worn bearings.

Same spacing, the only real difference between XJ and MJ rears is the MJ's are spring under and the way the shocks mount on the axle side. There are a few other parts that are direct interchange between Dakota and MJ too. Tail lights, rear bumpers, trailer hitches.

97 -01 XJ D30's do have the bigger joint but they are also low pinion axles.

The short answer is YES a early (87-91) first Gen Dakota rear axle is almost a direct bolt in for a MJ/XJ, But there are a few differences. First, similarities, same dimensions spring perch to spring perch, backing plate to backing plate and drum to drum. Same 5 on 4 1/2" bolt pattern. Same 27 spline axles. Now the differences (mostly good), larger U joint and yoke, larger brakes, lots of 2 WD Dakotas came with Limited Slip. 4WD Dakotas, spring over, 2WD spring under. Dakota shock mounts welded to axle tube. We own 2 XJ's and 2 first gen Dakotas, a 87 and a 92 and have been comparing parts between them for quite a while.