[RebelRidinRyan]

I have an 89 Cherokee. I'm looking to swapping both axles for something strong. So far my front axle is from a Pioneer and I have no 4wd with the 4wd actuator causing me problems. And I just noticed tonight that my rear is just puking gear oil. So I was wondering if I could possible get some info on good axle that I could swap into the Jeep. And I'd like to have my 4wd back too! Haha Thanks in advance.

[ltrail]

Starting with fixing your ugly vacuum disco, take the cover off disco assembly (4bolts or so) lift off the cover and flip it over. Notice the shift fork is held in place with c-clips, look at your axle. Notice the collar will need to be slid over to lock the axle in place. Slide the collar over. Pull the snap ring off the shaft of the vac plate, slide the shift fork over and re-install the clip in the groove. Put the plate back on and enjoy!

Pitch those vacuum lines in the nearest tree.

As for upgrading what kind of dollar you looking to spend and how big do you want To go tire wise?

I likely won't go more than 37" so I went with the 70's f150 axles d44/9". Think about gears before swapping. Mine came with 3.54 which would have felt ugly with 35's.

[RebelRidinRyan]

I tried locking it when I first got the axle in and it completely locked my tire. As in it wouldn't budge at all. So idk what the problem is.

And somewhat cheap I guess. For now I'm looking for ideas to put on my "to-do" list. I have 35's on it at the moment. Pry gonna stick with that size for awhile too.

I was just looking for a Ford 9 inch but I'm not very good with axle knowledge yet. So I'm pretty much a deer in headlights.

[ltrail]

Well a d44/9 combo sounds like it should work. Two options, early bronco axles are about same width as jeep axle. Front will need brackets for coils, shocks, etc. They aren't pricy. The rear should mostly work perfect. I say mostly since it's been a while since I measured the spring perches.
Option 2 is full sized broncos/f150 axles. They are wider by 6-7" and will improve stability. My full size f150 9" bolted in perfect (the leaf perches were within 1/4" or so of the xj axle) little pry bar action did the trick. Conversion u-joint for rear driveshaft was >$20 at Napa

[RebelRidinRyan]

Alright sweet! Thanks for all the help. It's going towards a good cause. Haha

[ltrail]

Shop around too, we need pictures of your build. I'll be starting soon! Have the rear axle in, still need to build my front links.

[RebelRidinRyan]

Here's some pics of the first axle swap. My wheel bearings exploded on me and the hubs were magically stuck and would NOT come off of the stock D30. So I got another D30 from a buddies pioneer and swapped that in until I can the money and time and right tools to swap stronger axles in. The front axle swap was a PITA.

[RebelRidinRyan]

Originally Posted by ltrail

Starting with fixing your ugly vacuum disco, take the cover off disco assembly (4bolts or so) lift off the cover and flip it over. Notice the shift fork is held in place with c-clips, look at your axle. Notice the collar will need to be slid over to lock the axle in place. Slide the collar over. Pull the snap ring off the shaft of the vac plate, slide the shift fork over and re-install the clip in the groove. Put the plate back on and enjoy!

Pitch those vacuum lines in the nearest tree.

As for upgrading what kind of dollar you looking to spend and how big do you want To go tire wise?

I likely won't go more than 37" so I went with the 70's f150 axles d44/9". Think about gears before swapping. Mine came with 3.54 which would have felt ugly with 35's.

Do you know a way to get those damn c-clips off easily? I was gonna use snap ring pliers but apparently they disappeared.

[ltrail]

Tiny flat screw driver or a fat and manly thumb! Lock it and lift the front to be sure there is no issues with the front end spinning.
Then put it down and beat the junk out of it!

[RebelRidinRyan]

So..an older teacher of mine is a Jeep freak. He used to have 9 XJ's all at once. But his wife got a lil mad and now he's down to 6. Buuut. He has a D44 with detroit locker and 411 gears. Along with a D30 with alloy shafts, detroit locker and 411 gears as well. He wants $1,000. for both. And they've never been installed into an XJ or anything since he decided to go a different way on axles. They both come with new brakes,etc as well. So I'm trying EVERYTHING I can do to get a grand ASAP.

[ltrail]

personal preference here but I wouldn't spend more than $20 on the d30(just welded mine and put new oil in) when a d30 breaks ots time to justify an upgrade. Shop around before you dump a grand on marginally better junk. The d44 is a fair upgrade but stick alloy shafts in a steaming pile of poop and its still a steaming pile of poop! If you already have 35's it only getting worse, the d30 shafts or not I would not go more than 35".

Find a d44 hp.

[RebelRidinRyan]

I was actually planning on going down to 33's just for price and hopefully somewhat better mpg. I was told by a good Jeeper buddy that the D30's arent actually that bad if you've built it up just a little. I'm just trying to get what I can without having to drop more money that I don't have into axles that will take time to have to my likings. It's a love/hate type deal. Haha

[ltrail]

My junk
Hp44 ford $250
4.88's $160
Spool $150
Brackets ~$125
9 ford. $65 jy special
Used 4.88 $60
Mini spool $12
Install kit for front and seals for rear
~ $200

$1022 give or take a few, not counting my links in the rear. The 9 bolted in and ran fine on the stock 3.07?? ugly fuel efficient gears for a while. This puts you safe for the 35's for same approximate cost and give you a little room for growth in the future. plus the stability of a wider axle for your height.

Gearing will help milage, however if you're driving a jeep your never going to achieve a "good" gas mileage imo.

[RebelRidinRyan]

Originally Posted by ltrail

My junk
Hp44 ford $250
4.88's $160
Spool $150
Brackets ~$125
9 ford. $65 jy special
Used 4.88 $60
Mini spool $12
Install kit for front and seals for rear
~ $200

$1022 give or take a few, not counting my links in the rear. The 9 bolted in and ran fine on the stock 3.07?? ugly fuel efficient gears for a while. This puts you safe for the 35's for same approximate cost and give you a little room for growth in the future. plus the stability of a wider axle for your height.

Gearing will help milage, however if you're driving a jeep your never going to achieve a "good" gas mileage imo.

I'm gonna downsize my tires to 33's. And I had a looong conversation with a guy at the parts store about some methyl alcohol kid for the Jeep that he said he can get close to 30mpg while running 35's. I still gotta look into it.

[ltrail]

I think if it were that easy everyone would have that kit! But I'm interested, report back with the info. 10mpg is a solid increase. I'd think my 4 cyl got ~20 down hill with the wind.