Quote:
|
Originally Posted by OverBoardProject
I'm probably getting some used Cherokee differentials for a solid axle swap on my Chevy S10 Blazer, and I'm hoping that you guys can help me with a few questions.
1. Are there any years or models that are stronger?
2. Is there a quick or easy way to tell what gearing they have?
3. Do any have posi's or limited slips?
4. Are there any aftermarket manual locking hubs available for them?
Thanks in advance
|
1: A few 87-89 XJs have the Dana 44 rear axle option, usually with the tow package. The D44 is the strongest rear axle put in the XJ. The second strongest rear axle available was the Chrysler 8.25. The 8.25 was used from early 90s to 01. In late 96 they went from 27 spline axle shafts in the 8.25 to 29 spline which brought it up close to the D44 in strength. The Dana 35 was used throughout the XJ run when the other axles werent used. All later models with ABS used this axle. It is the weakest available.
As for front axles, the Dana 30 has always been the only front axle available on north american models. The earlier, 84-91 I think, used high pinion D30 with a vacuum disconnect that can be tempermental at times. In the early 90s the vacuum disconnect disappeared. In 00 they went to a low pinion D30. In late 95 the XJ went from 260 front u-joints to the bigger 297s in all XJs, before 95 only ones with ABS got 297 ujoints. In 00 they dropped the high pinion for a low pinion D30. So, the strongest front axle available is on the late 95-99 XJ.
2: Theres a metal tag on the diff covers that indicates the gear ratio. If the tag has been removed you can spin a tire and count revolutions of the driveshaft. Most XJs with auto tranny and 4.0 will have 3.55s, 4 cyl XJs with 5 spd will have 4.10s, 4.0s with 5 spd will generally have 3.07s, 4 cyl with autos will have 3.73s. Thats not etched in stone though.
3: Yes some do have rear limited slips. There should be another tag on the rear diff if they do.
4: Yes. Warn makes a manual kit for them.
On a side note, Im not a Chevy guy but If Im not mistaken, the Blazer has a 10 bolt rear. Unless you are going for a width change, its really not worth switching out the 10 bolt for any of the XJ rears except the D44 and they are few and far between. The 10 bolt has a better aftermarket than the 8.25 and a D35 is a step down.