I am a newbie and I am leaving with my 2001 Cherokee on a Colorado trip on Sunday. I do not know very much history about the XJ that I have so I usually error on the side of caution when I buy a vehicle with little known history.

I want to change all the fluids including the transfer case and front and rear differentals. I called the dealer to ask about the stock axles and they told me that Jeep recommends not to use gaskets on the covers, but only RTV sealant. Is this correct? The only thing they could tell me about my axles is that they are not LS and the front is a 8.25 with a 3.55 ratio. The rear indicates Dana for a brand. Any help would be appreciated, and I'm sure the subject has come up before but I could not find it in search.

 

yeah, i always just use RTV for my diff seals.

 

That is backwards, the front will be a low pinion Dana 30, and the rear is a Chrysler 29 spline 8.25.

 

both of the above are correct. the rear would be a Chrysler 8.25 and the front is dana 30. and i have never used an actual gasket on a diff cover. ive always used silicone sealant and it works well.

 

I suggest you use synthetic gear oil which is not that expensive, 2 bottles $12 each should do it. And have the dealer check the VIN number to see if you have a limited slip rear differential. Hope you do, they are great. The limited slip needs a bottle of Chrysler special additive. I once drove a pick-up truck in which the additive was not used - it ruined the anti-slip clutches.

Bob

 

I never used a gasket. Just RTV.

If you do a lot of water crossings and will be changing the fluid frequently then find and use the gaskets. It will save you from having to scrape off all the old RTV every time you remove the cover.

 

I used the gaskets the last time I changed mine about 4 months ago-no leaks just be sure you torque down all the bolts to the propers specs, and you might as well count gear teeth while you have the cover off so you know what gearing you have too.

 

yup, black rtv, let it sit for a bit before you fill the diff with fluid to let it dry up a bit first.

forget trying to count teeth, just look on the edge of the ring gear for the stamping. the last set of numbers is your gear count.
just simply divide those last set of numbers and you'll get your ratio.
for example, 41 10. so, 41 divided by 10 would be 4.10.
41 would be the ring gear teeth and 10 would be the pinion gear teeth.