Son breaks rear end..dad fixes

[Eagle]

It will be MUCH easier to find a Cherokee axle, and cutting off the spring perches and welding them back on in the correct location for use in the MJ is pretty simple, especially when you have the old axle to use as a pattern.

[bigalpha]

It will be MUCH easier to find a Cherokee axle, and cutting off the spring perches and welding them back on in the correct location for use in the MJ is pretty simple, especially when you have the old axle to use as a pattern.

 

^This

 

Also, considering the rear axle gear ratio does not match the front, you should double check which transfer case you have. There should be an ID tag on it. Also, for your NP231, you should only have 4 options shown on the shifter bezel (2, N, 4 high, 4 low) (Click for Pic) while the NP242 should have 5 options (2, 4 full, 4 part, N, 4 Low).

 

Of course, the ID tag will be more accurate than the bezel shifter.

[maddzz1]

First, I would like to say that for such a long post Bob, There is not nearly enough smilies in it for you.

 

To the OP, this may be a good opportunity to replace the front axle too and get 3.55's in the front and back. You could probally find a donor XJ for the same price as what the rear axle will cost you. It shouldnt cost much to have a shop weld new perches on top the axle for you.

[Wildman]

Gee........Thanks maddzz1 :oops:

[brian]

I know you are all on pins and needles wondering how my life w/ jeep is going ;)

I've got a few calls in to see who has a rear end for me. So far looks like there may be one about 2 hous from here. I asked them to verify the gears in it ..no call back yet.

I can't see taking the advice some of you gave as to upgrading.While I appreciate all the good advice.. Why would I want to tear out the front axle too when all I want is to get my jeep back on the road? :dunno:

I rarely use the 4 wheel drive unless I'm on the beach. I guess some/ most of youse guys are into off roading in a big way and need the heartier gears.

I would rather spend the time it takes to do all that work at my local watering hole :cheers:

[Pete M]

Why would I want to tear out the front axle too when all I want is to get my jeep back on the road? :dunno:

 

Because some of us have not always been into 4wheelin and can vouch that better gearing is still a good idea, even for a completely street-driven 2wd grocery-getter. :D You're going to be in for a bit of a surprise if you swap a 3.07 geared rear axle in and your truck gets slower. :(

[HOrnbrod]

I know you are all on pins and needles wondering how my life w/ jeep is going

 

No we are not. Could care less in fact.

 

I would rather spend the time it takes to do all that work at my local watering hole :cheers:

 

Pete's giving you some good advice. If you choose to ignore it, and most of the other advice you have received, just end this thread. Stick the 3.07 in and live happily ever after.

[mvusse]

Did you ever check the front axle ratio yet? Not from the tag, but off the ring gear?

[Eagle]

I agree with mvusse, VERIFYING the front axle ratio before buying the replacement rear axle would be prudent. The ratio numbers ARE stamped into the edge of the ring gear, and can be read by removing the front diff cover. The front axle isn't broken, so you can rotate the ring gear to find the numbers.

 

Chances are, though, it's going to be 3.07, because that is the only ratio that came from the factory with the 6-cylinder 5-speed. Sure swapping the front over to 3.55 might be nicer, but unless you are running tires MUCH larger than stock you'll be fine with 3.07s. I've wheeled my '88 Cherokee all over the northeast on 30" tires with the stock 3.07 gears, and my '87 MJ still has the 3.07 gears and is rolling on 30" tires. It's fine. Would 3.55s be better? Absolutely. If I were in your situation, would I switch both axles to get 3.55s when I could just replace the rear axle and drive? Nope. The difference is so slight that it really doesn't make sense to create three times as much work as necessary. (Yes, I said three times. Swapping a front axle is more work than swapping a rear.)

[brian]

Hornbrod

That's a 'wink' next to my statement about my life/jeep and pins and needles.. Why the @$$-kick? :huh???:

I have considered all the advice here and am very glad for all of it.

Just saying I'm in need of getting my truck back on the road asap and looking for the easiest way to do that. Not a project.

 

Yes , I verified that the fromt end is a 3.07

The closest used rearend (so far)is 2 hr's away and $250 lots of cherokees around here though.Maybe this is a good time to teach myself to weld.

[dakal]

great thread guys!!!