1997 TJ Wrangler Shudder & Diff questions

[heynesamara]

Hi There, we are new to the forum and have a couple of questions. The son and I have gone halves in a 1997 TJ Renegade hardtop as a weekend toy, never owned a jeep before.

I tried searching first but have not found an answer so sorry if this has been done to death!

First question is what rear diff were supplied in a 97 TJ Renegade delivered to Aus? the only info I could find from US sites is a TJ has a Dana 30 in the front and a Dana 35 in the rear, however looking at the cover of ours is hexagon shape, were aussie spec dana 30 in the front and 44 in the rear?

The second question.... We purchased the TJ because it was straight and has no rust, and looks like its never been on the beach, however it has a shudder/wobble through the drive line under acceleration 1,2 and 3rd gear, once you change to 4th or above 60 it seems to be ok, looking underneath the first sign was both pinion seals on the diffs were leaking, so we started there for signs of problems, the oil in the front diff was clean, however the rear diff was black and silver, on inspection the LSD pressure plates are both busted, however no bits of metal came out so we are guessing this had already been removed then put back together, so we need to replace them and see if the problem persists unless this is way off the mark? we are looking at a lokka replacement if possible hence the first question.

Sorry if this has been done to death!

[Fishframe]

Has your Jeep been lifted?

[nitrobrent]

D30 and a D44 in the back .
Chances are the gearbox mount is stuffed.

[heynesamara]

Originally Posted by Fishframe

Has your Jeep been lifted?

Hi Fishframe, it looks to have a small lift, maybe 1-2" at most

[heynesamara]

Originally Posted by nitrobrent

D30 and a D44 in the back .
Chances are the gearbox mount is stuffed.

Hi nitrobrent, so 30 & 44 is a standard aussie config? When you say gearbox mount is naffed is that the one above skid plate?

[oldon]

Check engine mounts while looking at gearbox mount, passenger side is usually worst affected by exhaust heat. They can look pretty good at a glance, but when you take them out they'll fall to pieces. RHD has different engine mount to LHD on XJ's, might be the passenger side, can't remember. Something to watch for if ordering from rockauto or other overseas suppliers. That may not be true for TJ's but someone will clear that that up. For good prices & quick delivery rockauto is your friend, much better than most aussie suppliers. Have fun with your jeep.

[ajftj]

Something that might help you eliminate the rear diff, assuming your transfer case is the same as mine (04 TJ). You can remove the rear driveshaft and then drive in 4WD, so it becomes front wheel drive.

This helped me diagnose a bent output shaft, which I understand these are prone to.

I'd suggest trying to diagnose before you start ordering parts, it can get a bit demoralising spending money and not fixing things.

Work your way through the basics, even rotating wheels around the vehicle if not tried already.

Simple things like stuffed UJs etc..

Good luck, welcome to Jeeping its addictive.