The search doesnt seem to work for me. But im looking for possible threads on what front axle (differential) I can swap out on my zj and how to threads. Ive removed axles before but thwy didn't have abs and were in much older vehicles. And direction would be nice.
Any ZJ/XJ/MJ/TJ/LJ front axle is a direct swap, assuming its the same gear ratio as the rear. The most desirable is the TJ rubicon 44 ($$) or a high pinion dana 30 from an XJ. Early 90's to '99 I believe.
Very straight forward swap.
Try using google and after you type your search terms, type site:Jeepforum.com, or if you only want to search the ZJ section type site:Jeepforum.com/forum/f13
Or, you can swap over your current knuckles since they are already set up for ABS. Make sure you obtain axle shafts that have straight (ask me how I know) tone rings and use those. New CV style axle shafts aren't too expensive at your favorite auto parts store. They will have the correct tone rings. New tone rings for U-joint shafts can be purchased. They are a spicer unit p/n 44646. https://www.amazon.com/Spicer-44646-ABS-Tone-Ring/dp/B018OGFF5Q Tone rings can be pressed on without issue. I used a platic dead-blow hammer to knock off the old bent and the same hammer to tap on the new hotness.
non-abs knuckles can be drilled for the sensors.
Tell us what the problem is. Perhaps there is a different solution than a full axle swap?
I'm super sorry its was a long night at work and a suoer early morning for me i shoulda read what I posted. when i said axle I was talking about the whole differential. The front axle as a whole from hub to hub. My diff took. A crap on me and I'm looking for what I swap hub to hub from other jeeps. And a how to forum or something the help along the way with things I'm not sure about. I should have been more specific. Sorry yall
What I said in the first post is referring to the entire front axle assembly including the differential. I swapped a HPD30 from a '95 XJ into my ZJ about 18 months ago.
Thank you very much 1996maroonz... do you know where I can find what gear ratios will match up. Ive looked a little bit im pretty sure I have the 3.55. I have the 98 gc limited with the 5.2. Since I'm doing the swap if I could beef it up with a better axle i would rather.
There should be a tag connected to two of the differential cover bolts. It will have the original gear ratio, which for a 98 V8 is 3.73. However, a PO may have changed the ratio, very unlikely, but you have to be 100% sure or bad things will happen. You can spin the wheels by hand and count the revolutions of the pinion yoke compared to the wheels. You can also crack open the Diff. and either count the teeth on the ring gear and pinion, or check out the numbers stamped on the ring gear.
All of that is probably overboard, but at a minimum check that tag and rotate the tires to be sure.
Edit: this is from the 3.55 HPD30 I installed. The last two sets of number in the pic are 39 11.
39/11=3.545454 or 3.55 gears
The 93-95 V8 got the d35 with 3.73 gears. The 4.0 also got the d35 and could be had with either 3.55 or 3.73. The 96-98 got the d44a with 3.73 gears. The 4.0 still got the d35.
I've talked to several jeep owners including jeep specialty shops across the USA today and they all told me that it really depends on year and model. Jeeps back east came with a different gear ratio then jeeps for the West. Depending on . Where their made. But i dont have the d35. I have a d30 with the 3.73 gear ratio.
Those are rear axles, you have a d44a in the back. I put that in because you mention the year break and I was wondering if you had gotten confused because of the switch to the d44a.
If we were talking about XJ's you would be correct that year/model/trim/phase of moon changes gear ratio quite a bit. There was only one ratio from the factory for V8 ZJ's. That ratio is 3.73, no exceptions.
Pull your build sheet or look at the axle if you don't believe me.
Or read the FAQ, there's even a write up on how to swap a front axle in there.
I'm not saying I don't believe. I'm just trying to get facts straight. My zj is my family vehicle and its down and out right now. Best vehicle I've ever bought and I just want to get it right without complications when i fix it. But just so i get it straight your saying I have a d44a in the rear? Based of the year and model? I feel very confident that anything after 96 comes with a 3.73 gear ratio. I took a picture of the numbers on my rear axle bit tag on the front is missing and I haven't cracked the diff to check yet. I cant seem to find anything in Google to tell me for sure what thr numbers mean. Other then the 3.73 on thr bottom left. (Gear ratio)
No. D44a or HD is a rear axle. Only axle for the ZJ/XJ are d30 and high pinion d30.
I think some YJs got an iron 44 front but don't quote me on that.
All v8s got 3.73 gears. Only 4.0s got 3.55, 3.73 by request, and even more rare 4.10.
Your only bolt in options are d30 or hp d30. The hp d30 is a bit stronger but you will most likely have to regear it to match the rear which isn't cheap.
Any V8 zj will have a d30 with 3.73 and bolt right in.
No front 44's in wranglers until the TJ Rubi, and it's still LP with d30 outers, a hp30 is stronger in a lot of situations.
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