Front Axel Swap

[deziped]

Will a 2000 Cherokee 30 front end (disc to disc) bolt under an 89 MJ without a lot of modification? Would one from a WJ work, Ive never been under one of them so don't know anything about Grands. Got some available, just sorting out possibilities. Thanks for any help here.

[Geonovast]

2000 XJ?

 

Yes, just make sure you keep all the 2000 brake stuff with it. Disc and Calipers.

 

It'll be a low pinion axle though.

 

Not sure about the WJ, but I think it's the same as an 00 XJ D30.

[MrFreeze5]

The WJ axle is different and will not bolt up. It also has a different bolt pattern. But the knuckles and brakes are a nice upgrade. Id look for a 93ish-99ish XJ front axle.

[CWLONGSHOT]

The difference in the WJ axle is the width of the actual CA mounts. There actual position on the axle is just fine and the axle WILL bolt in, but you will need to shim the axle ends OR swap to WJ arms and adjust the MJ frame end CA brackets. Then you need to make other significant changes. The steering is different, the hubs and the wheel bolt pattern is also different. It is also a LO-Pinion axle and the common WJ ratio is 3:73 its NOT a common one in our MJ's...

 

The 2000 XJ axle is a direct bolt in. But don't mix parts. The dimensions of the hubs, rotors and calipers are different between your axle and the 2000. So use everything from your axle OR everything from the 2000.

 

Whats the reason for the swap? I only ask because it may be a good time for a ratio upgrade!!

 

CW

[deziped]

I'm just looking to swap to a LS 3.55 and figure I might as well go to the latest mfg parts available from JY. Their cheaper than buying & installing a new LS in the old 89. I don't need any lower gear ratio as my rock crawling days are pretty much behind me. If I kept that up this old body with a triple by-pass & cancer would, and probally will, wear out before the MJ would anyways. Got a 96 LS rear end already lined up ($100) for it so based on opinions & info provided here I'm inclined to keep it simple & go with the late 90's axle. Thanks all for the advise.

[Geonovast]

...LS?

[Eagle]

If LS means "limited slip," where are you going to find a Cherokee front axle with a limited slip? It wasn't a factory option, and there aren't a lot of aftermarket limited slips for the Dana 30.

[deziped]

I periodicly see them on classifieds. Don't know who created them or why, but their out there. Usually in the ratios I'm not looking for. Passed one 30 up a couple months back because it was 90 miles away, should have gone for it. Well look e here. To bad its a 2000 GC http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/1695852742.html

[Automan2164]

Then thats aftermarket... Jeep never offered any traction aide in the front besides what came on "Rubicon" Wranglers.

 

Rob L.

[deziped]

Well then I guess Jeep didn't see front LS benefits, so, I'll benefit from someone else's for-sight for mfg those after market goodies & someone's wrenching ability. Ya-hoo.

[CWLONGSHOT]

Then that's aftermarket... Jeep never offered any traction aide in the front besides what came on "Rubicon" Wranglers.

 

Rob L.

Ahh.. But they did!!

It was in the WJ!! To my knowledge you are correct tho, none offered in the YJ,TJ,XJ,MJ. I had one in 2007, it was a 1999WJ Limited H.O. 4.7L V8. I do not remember the T-case designation, but it had front and rear LS diffs. I bought it from a family friend and they where orig. owner, never did anything to it but factory service. After it was totaled in an accident, I began the search for a replacement. I drove about 10-15 none had this option and with out it the V8 would simply spin one tire in the front and one in the rear under hard acceleration. Hers wouldn't spin at all. (Dry pavement) It was like a good sports car, stab the pedal and hang on, it would set you back in the seat!

 

CW

[Eagle]

I periodicly see them on classifieds. Don't know who created them or why, but their out there. Usually in the ratios I'm not looking for. Passed one 30 up a couple months back because it was 90 miles away, should have gone for it. Well look e here. To bad its a 2000 GC http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/1695852742.html

The 2000 WJ never had Trac-Lok as an option for the front axle. But the WJ Grand Cherokee had an option for Quadra-Drive. That had a traction device in the front -- but it wasn't a Trac-Lok. In fact, it worked the opposite (when it worked at all) -- it was unlocked until one wheel started spinning faster than the other by some programmed amount, at which point the differential speed actuated a "gerotor" pump that applied pressure to engage the clutches and "lock" the axles together.

 

It was a great system -- in theory. As we know, however, practice doesn't always follow theory and I believe after only two or three years Jeep abandoned the gerotor scheme in favor of electric lockers in the front and rear for the Quadra-Drive system

 

It was never offered in the Cherokee or Comanche, or the TJ Wrangler. I don't think you'll find it in any front axle that could fairly be considered a bolt-in for the Comanche.

[CWLONGSHOT]

Again, I didn't say it was a track-loc. I said it was a traction aide. Or rather, I responded to Auto Man, who said it was a traction aid and I disagreed, saying that yes they did... :nuts: :yes: :waving:

 

I do not remember the designation, but will say the Quadra Drive is what we had. It worked perfectly in that vehicle! You know I know what a locked vehicle drives like and that acted much like one!! The way it would accelerate, from a standing stop on dry pavement was awe inspiring!! Like I said, I drove many others looking for a new one for her and all would smoke one front tire if you tromped on it...

 

CW

[Eagle]

Again, I didn't say it was a track-loc.

I didn't say you did, Amigo.

 

But that ad in the Craigs List link said Trac-Lok, and I ain't buyin' that for a nanosecond. AFAIK Dana doesn't even make a Trac-Lok for the D30