Topic: Front Axle

[snowbrew]

I went up into the mountains to play yesterday.  When I shifted into 4WD, I thought I was in 4wd and started going into the snow.  I found that was not the case and heard a loud bang.  After getting the jeep home I found that I have broke another shift fork.  I have already ordered another one.
My question is:  The XJ from about 88-89 to about 99 has the same from axle but does not have the vacuum shift motor, fork, or collar.  Why couldnt I pull an axle from one of these rigs and replace the two axle combo in my dana 30?
thx for any input.

[Jeffy]

You can.  Although some people add an extra axle seal so oil doesn't go to the disconnect anymore.  I'm not really sure why that's inportant.  In any case, you can grab some late model XJ shafts and swap them.  YJ'ers do ti all the time.  You should be able to use TJ shafts also.  WHen you do it, you'll want to get the 297x U-joint and not the 260's that you probably already have.  Might as well upgrade the U-joints at the same time.

[snowbrew]

I was thinking about the swap some more and was wondering if the limited slip up front will have any type of adverse effects while driving. It seems to me that when I do this swap it will be like driving around with the "hubs" turned in. There will be more resistance and when driving on the pavement the 3rd member/limited slip will work harder when cornering. I spend most of my time on pavement, so I dont want to wear the parts out sooner then I have to.

[Jeffy]

What kind of LSD?  If it's 'tight' then you will notice the Jeep wanting to understeer.