front axle!?!

does anybody know what front axle a 97 cherokee sport would have?

dana 44? dana 35? ford 9?

i have no idea and looked all over it to see if it was labled or engraved.

thanks!

does anybody know what front axle a 97 cherokee sport would have?

dana 44? dana 35? ford 9?

i have no idea and looked all over it to see if it was labled or engraved.

thanks!
should be a dana 30

More specifically, a high pinion d30.
Those other three you named are all rear axles. The d35 is the common XJ rear. The other axle commonly available under XJ's were the Chrysler 8.25". The d44 was a rear axle used on XJs only in 1987, and not in all models. Mostly those with towing packages. They make a front 44, but it was never used under the XJ from the factory. They are commonly swapped in though. The Ford 9" you mentioned is exactly that. Ford. They didnt put Ford 9"s under jeeps. Ever. But other people tend to swap them in, in conjunction with said 44 front.

More specifically, a high pinion d30.
Those other three you named are all rear axles. The d35 is the common XJ rear. The other axle commonly available under XJ's were the Chrysler 8.25". The d44 was a rear axle used on XJs only in 1987, and not in all models. Mostly those with towing packages. They make a front 44, but it was never used under the XJ from the factory. They are commonly swapped in though. The Ford 9" you mentioned is exactly that. Ford. They didnt put Ford 9"s under jeeps. Ever. But other people tend to swap them in, in conjunction with said 44 front.


why would someone swap axles...just curious, i really am clueless when it comes to drivetrain.

why would someone swap axles...just curious, i really am clueless when it comes to drivetrain.
For strength.
Those axles you mentioned are stronger than stock. I.E. they have thicker axleshafts with more splines, thicker and stronger housings, and heavier duty components.
When you add accessories such as large tires/rims, or enhancements for more power, more stress is put on all the drivetrain components, causing them to fail under load.
Stock jeep cherokee axles are basically half-ton rated. They are designed to withstand only the loads that would normally be placed on them by the light cherokee, the smallish factory tires, and meager powerplant. People with mechanical knowhow and/or deeper pockets will either swap in or have swapped in by a shop, a larger axle or set of axles to compensate for the cherokee's shortcomings. Commonly swapped in axles are the ones you mentioned. The 44 is quite a bit stronger than the front 30 or rear 35/8.25 that the jeep came with. It is, just to categorize, more of a "3/4" ton strength axle. They can be had in front or rear configurations. The ford 9" is commonly swapped in as well, but only comes in a rear axle model. You *can* purchase expensive custom made 9" front axles from companies like Currie Enterpirses, but they werent offered that way from the factory.

The stock cherokee axles are known to hold up to, and be reliable with up to roughly 33" tires, and perhaps a hair over 200 horse power. 35"s and 36"s are seen used, but are definitely pushing the limits, and just asking for trouble. The dana 44 is commonly run with 35-38" tires and usually is noted for holding up well to them. The dana 60 is the next step up in the dana axles, and is used as a 1 ton truck axle in front, and 3/4 ton in a rear axle. They are known to be used under jeep in conjunction with anywhere from 38-44 inch tires. Dana's 1 ton rear is the dana 70, and it's quite the beast. Mostly overkill for the large majority of jeep owners.

There are many other axles out there in 1/2, 3/4, and 1-2.5 ton varieties. All used by jeepers with different needs for drivetrain strength.
Hope the helps a little.

wow...that was more than helpful! thank you very much, i have been having alot of questions lately so if anymore come up ill make sure to ask you, if you dont mind that is. but then again i assume that is why you are here...to assist as well as be assisted in additional information. thank you.