How to identify a rear axle?

I just purchased a 98' TJ with a 2.5 ltr and a 5 speed. My question is this: is there anyway to determine what type of rear end it has?

I did a VIN search on the VIN and identified it as a base/SE model.

My understanding of TJ's is that it either has a Dana 35c or a Dana 44 rear end.

Can anyone identify the rear end? No J Lo jokes please. :grinno:

If it's an SE it has a D35 rear axle. The D44 was not available on an SE.

The easiest way to tell is to look at the diff cover. A D35 has an oval cover with a rubber fill plug. A D44 has an octagonal cover with a screw-in fill plug.

Thanks CoryB.

Sounds like when my 2.5 goes out (115,000 miles on it now) I will replace it with the 4.0 ltr along with a AX15 tranny and a dana 44.