XJ rear axle differences

[Black Dog]

Yes.

Yes.

Hack and tap is just one way to do it and it works pretty well.

 

[bob91yj]

I've had a hack and tap on the NP 231 (not to mention the D30 w/Lock Rite and 4.88's) in this Jeep for years, I doubt you'll give yours this kind of abuse...

 

[reece146]

What Bob said. H&T is perfectly fine. Redesigning a shaft to deal with loads that don't exist is just a way to lighten your pocket.

 

[Stumpalump]

What Bob said. H&T is perfectly fine. Redesigning a shaft to deal with loads that don't exist is just a way to lighten your pocket.

What Bob said. H&T is perfectly fine. Redesigning a shaft to deal with loads that don't exist is just a way to lighten your pocket.

Hold that thought because its axel is leaf sprung and it wraps. That's when the axel is trying to twist on its mounts forcing the spring into an S shape. Luckily XJs don't have enough power or get driven hard enough to make this a major problem but all that force is limited by guess what? The drive shaft. Particularly the front or T-case end. Those that do have problems with a hack and tap did not get the cut, hole and threads perfect. The constant hammering from the axel wrapping takes its toll and they get loose and fail. Not saying you but hundreds of shade tree mechanics have cut them wrong, drilled them wrong, tapped them wrong or have broken drill bits and taps in them. It all adds up to "Not worth it". The SLE is cheap and you get to open up the case to inspect it. If it smells burnt inside then replace the chain. It's not hard to install and the best kits like JB Conversions kit is only $199.00. Cheaper kits are around but use an output shaft that is made in China. They can break, again because of the wrap. If you feel it or not they all wrap.

 

[reece146]

So you are basically saying don't install a H&T unless it is installed properly...

Pretty much everything is like that.

If a person can't do a H&T properly I don't see how they can split a case and get it back together correctly.

2¢

 

[Stumpalump]

So you are basically saying don't install a H&T unless it is installed properly...

Pretty much everything is like that.

If a person can't do a H&T properly I don't see how they can split a case and get it back together correctly.

2¢

Touche

 

[bat]

Just throw a 3.5" lift on it and throw some 32" tires on it and drive the crap out of it. You have some good stuff on there stock, throw a cheap aussie locker in the front and away you go.