Cherokee info

[Bradman]

I'm looking at a 94 Cherokee 2 door "country" edition.  I have just a couple of questions:

#1. how can I identify the axles on it?

#2.would this be a good platform for a trail rig for the wife?

[OJTV8CJ]

1.  The only axle that you need to check is the rear as some of them came with 44's in the rear but the front is a 30.

2.  Depends on who you ask.  I say yes, some others will tell you no.

[Bradman]

How do I ID if I've got a D35, or D44?

I think it would be a great trail rig for the wife.  would only be for mild trails.........at first!  

She's got the bug, and We all what that meens!

[YJ_Aaron]

94 is to new for a 44 unless it was swapped in.

http://www.coloradok5.com/axleguide.shtml

This chart shows the differences in most axles.  The 35 is round in shape with a rubber fill plug.  8.25 (?) was also popular in cherokees.

[Bradman]

Thanks, that should help!

[YJ_Aaron]

Are you looking at a stock XJ or one of the multitude of lifted ones that have been posted up for sale lately?  There seems to be a lot of people selling mod'd XJ's on MWJT and slurveys on here.

[Bradman]

Looking at a stock one down here in Branson.  

I would use it as a DD for a while, then build it for some minor wheeling.  Small lift, 31's tow hooks, and some skids.

[Bradman]

:tearsdrip:

looks like it is a 35.  still looking into it though!

[mjsteiro]

All I can say, is mine does just fine :applaudit:

Only problem with them that I see is there is no frame rail...so any kinds of mods ( bolt ons will take some ingenuity )  or just weld them on.

Mike

[Bradman]

Oh yah, a 35 will work just fine.....you've proven that time and time again!

[BrandXJ]

With a little bit of lift and 31's the 35 should be okay (for a while).
YES... XJ's can and are a very capable trail rig. With some work to stiffen the frame rails, a good 3-link front suspension, lift, and tow points they can go anywhere that all but the most extreme open tops and buggies go.
2 door versions are COOL, love to have one. If you want to see many modified rigs go to www.XJDB.com. Everything from stock to extreme crawlers... sky's the limit!   :agree:

[slurveysTJ]

it will make a great trail rig. as far as the axle the 35 and 8.25 look very similar. look at the bottom of the axle. if there is a flat spot along the bottom of the diff it is a 8.25 if the axle housing round and follows the diff cover it is a 35. the 8.25 is a good axle for tires upto 33 range. my xj works great on the trail and rides smoother than any other lifted jeep that i have owned.

[Bradman]

Without going back out to look at it, I THINK it does have a "flat" bottom on it!  
 :bounce:
I'll check after the sun comes up!

[mjsteiro]

the 8.25 has a smooth diff. cover....looks like a bowl.

Jeep essentials mag.  shows exploded versions of the different types
of diffs.

Mike

[Mo_Corley]

Either way, its not gonna be a good axle.  Most likey its a D35.  But even if it is a 8.25, all of the 96 and before years got a 27 spline version.  The 97+ years got the 29 spline that is much stronger (about even with a D44).