alexblits

Hi all,

2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Special Edition, I6. Quadra Trac II, believe this means Dana30 front diff, which means no vari-lok in front.

My jeep has been creaking on turns, assuming this is either the CV axles boot torn or the front driveshaft. Recently got quoted ~$1,000 to replace both of my CV front axle shafts... Quote seemed extremely high, especially knowing this task isn't super difficult. My dad and I replaced my front wheel bearings last year, so believe everything should come off relatively easy this time. New bolts in the bearing, so don't have to worry about rounding off the 12 points again...

We also have decided it makes sense to replace all the front ball joints at this time, since we will have everything off.

What CV axle shafts do you recommend? Detroit Axle has front CVs for about $65 and Rock Auto has them for the $40-60 range. Any preferred brand that you like or would use? Brands seen on Rock Auto include Cardone, APWI, Trakmotive, GSP, etc..

Also what ball joint replacements do you recommend for the upper and lower in the front?

Also planning to replace / rebuilt my front driveshaft. Recently I got a double cardan driveshaft from the junkyard from a V8 WJ. My current driveshaft is a u-joint at axle and cv at transfer case. Thinking of rebuilding the u-joints on the DC DS and adding this to mine. I now have heard that the length of this will not work due to the V8 and L6 having different front DS lengths. Any driveshaft advice appreciated.

Any tips on either of these would be greatly appreciated as well. Tips on other items to work on as well are appreciated. Considering doing the sway bar links during this process too if makes sense. Last year we replaced all tie rod ends, sleeves, pitman arm, drag link, steering stabilizer, etc.

Thanks,