XJ Cherokee Axles

Sep 7th 2025

The Jeep Cherokee XJ, produced from 1984 to 2001, featured various front and rear axle configurations, with significant differences in strength and availability.

The front axle was primarily the Dana 30, which evolved over the production run. Early models used a Dana 30 with Center Axle Disconnect (CAD), which was prone to failure due to its cast housing and vacuum-actuated mechanism. Later models, from around 1995 onwards, used a high-pinion Dana 30, which is stronger and more durable, featuring larger 760X U-joints. The low-pinion Dana 30 appeared in the final years of production (mid-2000 and 2001), often considered weaker due to the pinion driving against the coast side of the ring gear teeth. The Dana 30 is known for its good aftermarket support, with options like the TJ Rubicon Dana 44 being a popular upgrade.

For the rear, the XJ offered several options. The most common was the Dana 35, which was available in both non-C-clip (pre-1990) and C-clip (post-1990) configurations. The C-clip version is particularly weak, as a broken axle shaft can cause the wheel to detach from the vehicle. The Dana 35 is generally considered inadequate for tires larger than 33 inches and is not recommended for significant off-road abuse. A stronger alternative was the Chrysler 8.25, which was used in non-ABS-equipped models and featured a more robust center section than the Dana 35. The 8.25 axle had 27-spline shafts until 1996, but models from 1997 onwards featured stronger 29-spline shafts. The Dana 44 was a rare factory option, primarily available on heavy-duty towing packages in the 1987-1990 model years, and is considered the strongest factory axle for the XJ. It features 30-spline axleshafts and no C-clips, with extensive aftermarket support.

The XJ's rear axle is generally 60.5 inches wide between the wheel mounting surfaces, and all factory axles use a 5 on 4.5-inch bolt pattern, allowing for easy wheel compatibility. While the Dana 35 and Chrysler 8.25 are common in junkyards, the Dana 44 is considered rare and commands a higher price due to its strength and popularity among enthusiasts. For significant upgrades, aftermarket assemblies like the Currie 44 are popular, offering a massive strength increase with features like a 3-inch diameter x .375 wall DOM tube, a reinforced nodular iron center section, and chromoly axles. These aftermarket axles are designed to retain the stock width and bolt pattern, making them a direct replacement for the factory Dana 35 or Chrysler 8.25.

XJ Cherokee Axles

Stock XJ Cherokee Axle Info

Pre-95 Cherokee XJ
- Front Axle: Dana 30 with a vacuum disconnect
  - Differential Location: Driver’s side
  - Stock axle splines: 27 (upgradeable to 30 splines)
  - Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5"
  - Width: 60" wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface
  - Notes: This axle is less desirable due to the vacuum disconnect, which was prone to failure. A Dana 30 from a ’95½ or later XJ/ZJ is a common upgrade that eliminates the vacuum disconnect. The 95+ XJ D30 is a stronger high-pinion version. Many lockers are available for the D30 axle.
- Rear Axle: Dana 35 with c-clips or Chrysler 8.25"
  - Differential Location: Centered
  - Stock axle splines: 27 (upgradeable to 30 splines)
  - Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5"
  - Width: 60" wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface
  - Notes (D35): Not a bad axle with 33" or smaller tires. Many people upgrade this axle with 30-spline shafts and lockers (commonly called a SUPER 35 kit). The weak point is the axle tubes—under extreme pressure, they flex, which can result in broken axles or pinion failures.
95½+ Cherokee XJ
- Front Axle: High-pinion Dana 30
  - Differential Location: Driver’s side
  - Stock axle splines: 27 (upgradeable to 30 splines)
  - Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5"
  - Width: 60" wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface
  - Notes: Stronger than earlier D30s. Not a bad axle with 33" or smaller tires. Many people upgrade with 30-spline shafts and lockers (SUPER 30 kit). The main weak point is the u-joints, which can be upgraded.
- Rear Axle: Dana 35 c-clip OR Dana 44 (rare)
  - Differential Location: Centered
  - Stock D35 axle splines: 27 (upgradeable to 30 splines)
  - Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5"
  - Width: 60" wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface
  - Notes: Not a bad axle with 33" or smaller tires. Many people upgrade with 30-spline shafts and lockers (SUPER 35 kit). Weak point is the axle tubes, which flex under stress, leading to broken axles or pinion failures.

Popular Axle Upgrades

Front axle upgrades to replace the Dana 30 low pinion (in early XJ's and ZJ's)
- High pinion D30 out of a 95+ XJ
  - Notes: This is a direct bolt-in upgrade. 4-cylinder XJ versions often came with 4.10 gears. This axle also has larger 760 u-joints.
- 80–91 Wagoneer Narrow-Track Dana 44
  - Differential Location: Driver’s side
  - Lug Pattern: 6 on 5.5"
  - Stock axle splines: 30 spline (upgradeable to 35 spline)
  - Width: 60" wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface
  - Notes: Correct width for XJ or ZJ. Can be converted to 5 on 5.5" or 8 on 6.5" lug pattern. They are relatively cheap and easy to find. Avoid the vacuum disconnect version.
  - Identified by: Stop-sign shaped diff cover, spring-under housing, 60" width.
Rear axle upgrades to replace the D35 and D44a (in XJ or ZJ's)
- 93+ Isuzu Rodeo / Honda Passport Dana 44
  - Differential Location: Centered
  - Lug Pattern: 6 on 5.5"
  - Stock axle splines: 30 spline (upgradeable to 35 spline)
  - Width: 58" (2" narrower than XJ/ZJ)
  - Notes: Many came with 4.30 or 4.56 gears stock and rear disc brakes.
  - Identified by: Sometimes has cast aluminum diff cover, otherwise looks like a normal D44. May have a sensor/wire on top of the housing.
- 96+ Ford Explorer 8.8 c-clip axle
  - Differential Location: Centered
  - Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5"
  - Stock axle splines: 31 spline (upgradeable to 35 spline)
  - Width: 58.25" (about 2" narrower than XJ/ZJ)
  - Notes: 8.8 axles from Rangers and Mustangs will not work—only Explorer versions fit. A common upgrade is the Super88 kit, which includes larger axles. Very strong even with stock shafts, and many came with limited slip, 4.10 gears, and rear disc brakes.