Appreciate the help.

General consensus seems to be that the Chrysler is a better axle. Should I try and stay with the Chrysler, or should I go with whatever I can find (the Dana 35)

 

Dont EVER stoop to using a Turdy 5, they are the garbage axle of the cherokee world. I wouldnt touch one if it was for free. You can find a rear 8.25 axle just about anywhere and everywhere for extremely cheap, and with the 3.55 gear ratio (most common) you should be able to find one exactly like yours easily and swap it right in no problem. There should be plenty of them in the Junkyard

 

The more and more I think about it the axle swap is the way to go.

Any tips on how if I was to pull a jy axle how to check if everything is still in working order? Try and get a lower mileage vehicle, obviously. I've also been told the fluid will smell burnt. Other than that, any suggestions?

 

Gear oil smells terrible in general and if it smells burnt it could be just because it hasnt been changed in a long time.. If theres chunks in the gear oil dont bother with it, if there is just small metallic shavings its normal. Make sure the gear contact points are worn smoothly not dug into or have any burs or anything odd wear and contact patterns.

 

Seems all common sense. Thanks for the help! Now i just gotta wait for the summer...

 

You can or if you want some U-Pull it's will pull parts for you for a fee. I know back home pulling an axle is $50 and the price of the axle is $50. Cant beat that and usually when they pull parts they leave everything on it like Brakes, drums, ect ect....Might have the same luck for yourself depending on the rates and prices of your local junkyard.

 

Right now that all depends on if i can get a job at school or not. The next time i'm going to be home is for spring break (mid march) so it wont be till then that the axle would be going in.

Axle swap seems like an easy job. Drive shaft, leafs, shocks, and brake lines and she'll come right out

 

Yeah I can understand that, money is defiantly a problem for me to. The rear axle is much easier then the front, believe me

 

I'm at the point where any income is good income. Time to apply for fast food again. Oh well, at least she'll be running right once this is all over.

I got socked with having to buy a battery today. Thank you whomever broke into her while i was home.

Oh well, thanks for your help! I really really appreciate it.