Rear diff questions please

[rocks in boots]

Hey guys, Thanks for everything in past threads. This is a bit of a long opening post but is important to me.

xj limited 95

188k kms

Bear with me please as I am a chef by trade of 22 yers and know very little about mechanics, so any answers will be highly appreciated. Thankyou.

I have done some small works on my jeep but the rear diff is out of my range and now sits with the mechanic. He tells me the noise is because of either the main bearing is knackered, or the crown joint or either bearings of the rear wheels. He advises to replace the complete axle/rear diff as will be cheaper.

He has sourced a second hand complete unit for 750 plus labour total of 11-1200.

Is this the price about? (Outer western Sydney)

I asked if it is the same type of diff being replaced, he says it is from a same type of jeep of the same era and will fit. I have a limited so is this true what he says?

He can not answer what the jeep was (chic,country,classic,sport,limited) or the condition of it or the kms on it, no info. Only saying the wreckers will tell you what you want to hear and only give 30 days guarantee. Is that good enough for 750 in your opinions?

I kind of need my jeep back working fairly soon. What do you guys think? I live in Penrith and can travel a few hours to get another diff. Does anyone know of who or where for cheaper or more reliable or should I go with the one I'm faced with now?

My xj has 188k on the clock if the rear diff is gone now, will I expect the front to go soon as well?

Plus if the rear diff is being replaced I may as well replace the rear leaf springs at the same time. The mechanic says I should use the ones coming off the jeep with the new diff, but if there is no info on that jeep how can I know if they are any good? Presently my leaf springs face down to the ground. Maybe just get new ones and how much would they be?

So there you have it, if you have read this far I thank you and look forward to hearing what you have to say about the diff situation. Lots of questions I know but if you could help or advise me please. Thankyou again.

Jason

[rocks in boots]

Normally I would research what I need to know or discover, and if that fails ask here, but this one has caught me out and am lost for time. Sorry.

[Jimmyb]

Seems like a fair wrecker price, a stock diff for an XJ on here would almost nearly be given away and nobody wants them. They are weak.

The best upgrade is to put a Dana 44 from a Wrangler into it, you then need to remove the coil spring buckets, and weld on leaf spring buckets.

Now the leaf springs, if you are going to the effort, why not buy new lifted leaves, even 2" and then put a 2" spacer in the front to give you a little bit of height?

[alexbrown64]

Hi Jason,

I also have a 95 limited.

The 95 limited comes with a Dana 35c differential. Being a limited, yours will be an LSD diff, which is Limited Slip. It means both rear wheels will engage on slippery surfaces. A noisy diff is not the end of the world. They can howl and rumble for years. If your diff was really popping, crunching or grinding, i would consider swapping it out. Otherwise, just chill and save your money.

$750 is a lot for a Dana 35c. Most Aussie 4.0 XJ's will have this diff and you can virtually give them away. Personally, i think they are fine. I have upgraded mine with 4.88 gears, and ARB locker and Superior chrome moly axles and never had a problem... but that costs a fortune.

Honestly, i would hold off for a while... wait for a low k's cheap diff to pop up.. not from a dealer, but someone wrecking one on GumTree. then swap it out yourself. A few YouTube videos in interim and collect a few tools. Its an easy job..but the diffs are heavy..

Hope you have a strong missus...

Cheers,

[aaronm]

Jason, my mobile is 0404868794 , give me a call after 09:00.
I live just up the road from you , Winmalee. Dicuss some options for you $1200 is a bit high for second hand diff fitted
regards aaron

[alexbrown64]

Well done Aaronm.. great to see a fellow Jeeper helping someone out.
Thats whats great about these forums.

Cheers,
Alex

[LuluBelle]

and what ever you do make sure you put the right oil in the diff 80/120 I think happened to me rebuilt diff mechanic used too light a oil didn't last 100 k and started making noise and smelling like rotten eggs lucky I caught it early no real damage
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