What are other axle choices for a 90 jeep YJ.?

Question

My friend has a 90 YJ and I just want to know what other models and years would make a worthy donor. I would rather swap the complete axle than to mess with the diff. If you could also provide a link to any axle code charts that decode gear ratios that woiuld also be helpful. Thanks in advance.

I understand four wheel drive and know that hratios have to be the same. I need a list of vehicles, model & year ranges that will be a fitting donor. Same width, diff location spring mounting etc. I also wanted to know how to determine gear ratio from VIN sticker if possible, Iknow you can decode gear ratio from Toyota trucks by info encoded in the VIN sticker.

I just want a working bolt-up replacement so it can be sold.

Answer 1

The YJ went from 87-95. Everything should interchange on thsoe years. Jeeps aren't like everything else. They are the same every year until the change the model designation as in your YJ. My TJ stuff won't work. There is possibly 11 different rear ends that could have come in that vehicle. Every axel had at least 3 different gear ratios. The Dana 35 had 7 possible gear ratios. Many times there is a tab on the center housing with the gear ratio stamped on it. If it's a dana you may be able to pull the cover and read the ratio on the ring gear.

It looks like you need to do a little be of research on what you have then go to google........ type in Jeep YJ or YJ Jeep and you will find tons of links including parts. Then find something close to where you live. Jeeps (at least Wranglers and CJ's) don't end up in local junk yards too often. You have to find the people that specialize in jeeps to find your parts.

By the way most YJ's did have either a Dana 30, 35 or 44 and they do have ID tabs. The ID tag is usually on the left of the cover. The model is listed on the right axel housing (all this as you are looking from the rear although the id tag may be on the front side but on the left side of the vehicle.) If you send me an email to 440gtx at gmail . com (spaces left on purpose) I'll look up the details for you. Get the numbers off the rear end and I'll see if I can tell you what you have.

Answer 2

The Cherokee axle of those years is VERY CLOSE, but not exact. Yes, I know that both are Dana 35,,,BUT in Canada they offered the Dana 44 as an option in those years on the Cherokee. Sorry, but beyond this you are moving brackets. The most Popular change that is out there is the Ford 8.8, but you have to move the brackets. Is around 5/8" narrower, but MUCH stronger. Go to MallCrawling.com, and Jeepsunlimited or pirate4x4 for details. Unless you increase the power or tire size, the Dana 35 is ok,,but it will fail on large tires and or a stroker..Been there, done that...DON'T.
Good Luck

Answer 3

Front and rear axle ratios have to be very close or gear lock up will ocuur. SO your lession plan is to understand four wheel drive before going out to the shop to change axle parts. ON a 1990 Dana rear or front differential your choices become limited be=cause the truck is 18 years old.