Rear Axle differences in model year?

MakoML · 08-29-2009, 06:25 PM

I need to find a rear axle assy for a 2005 Liberty Sport with 3.73 gearing, no ABS. The dealers and salvage yards tell me that the 2005 part # was a one year only part and is "rare" and costs way too much, like $1500 used or $1600 for an brand new empty housing!.

So, what exactly changed on the 2005, and can I find and use an earlier or later one as long as the gears are 3.73? I would think that the rear suspension control arm mounts would be the same for all model years so I am not seeing why this has become a big issue, unless I am missing something.

This thing has been nothing but problems since we got it.

jsc7002 · 08-29-2009, 10:30 PM

Do you have a trac-lok? thats the only thing I could think of.

MakoML · 08-29-2009, 11:59 PM

No locker. It does have rear disk brakes, and I am thinking that any Liberty rear end with disk brakes and 3.73 gears should work fine.

I just need someone who knows more about these things than I to confirn this before I spend the cash.

**95BadBoy** · 08-30-2009, 05:24 AM

Did your gears go south or did the housing break ?

DaveJKJ · 08-30-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MakoML

I need to find a rear axle assy for a 2005 Liberty Sport with 3.73 gearing, no ABS. The dealers and salvage yards tell me that the 2005 part # was a one year only part and is "rare" and costs way too much, like $1500 used or $1600 for an brand new empty housing!.

So, what exactly changed on the 2005, and can I find and use an earlier or later one as long as the gears are 3.73? I would think that the rear suspension control arm mounts would be the same for all model years so I am not seeing why this has become a big issue, unless I am missing something.

This thing has been nothing but problems since we got it.

I don't see what is "rare " about the 05 rear axle. The Corp 8.25 axle was used on all year KJ's. They should be all disc brakes in 05 with ABS optional. The only difference I can think of is if it has the factory trac-loc or if it is open. If it has the trac-loc, the friction modifier MUST be used when changing the rear end fluid or it WILL give you problems. Check your axle tag or get a build sheet. Could that be the problem??? You didn't say what exactly the problem was.

Just thinking out loud here trying to help.

MakoML · 08-30-2009, 11:40 AM

Axle tubes broke loose from pumpkin, leaking bad at seams, tires wearing out in 3000 miles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 95BadBoy

Did your gears go south or did the housing break ?

**95BadBoy** · 08-30-2009, 12:11 PM

Are they so bad that they can't be welded ?? If the tubes just spun then it should be repairable via a welding at a decent machine shop - housing wise unless they are also bent. I would think it would be a heck of a lot cheaper most likely. As stated - there is no big change to the 8.25 05 axel that I'm aware of if you decide just to swap in a salvage unit. ABS or no ABS, 3.73's or 4.10's, trac-loc or no trac-loc - me thinks those should the variables. Possible drums on 02's. IIRC

MakoML · 08-30-2009, 02:29 PM

They are supposedly beyond repair according to the shop I took it to, which specializes in Differentials and 4x4 stuff.

But, I am definitely looking at all options on this one.