MJ/ZJ/WJ front axle swap

[gator_grabber]

I have a '90 short bed MJ that is being converted over to 4 wheel drive. The original plan was to swap in a front axle from a donor XJ, but I'm now wondering if it would be better to get the complete front axle out of either a ZJ or a WJ to take advantage of the larger brakes, tie rod ends, etc. What do you folks think?

[Eagle]

I wasn't aware the ZJ used larger brakes.

Keep in mind that the ZJ axle will bolt in, but it's a low pinion axle. Don't know if a WJ axle is a direct fit.

[gator_grabber]

I was told that the low pinion made its appearance in the XJ late in the game, but is the same true with the GC?

[whitexj88]

Jeep Cherokee specs all years

Cherokee Specs

[gator_grabber]

WhiteXJ,
Thanks for the list, it will be useful for future reference. I see that we're a bit off-course from my original post. What I was trying to determine was if the ZJ or WJ front axle might be a better swap into a MJ than a XJ. From what I've found so far, this may not be the case, given the fact that the GC's all (?) seem to be low pinion. The WJ definitely has bigger brakes, but the bolt pattern is 5 on 5. I've seen the swap, but don't know how they dealt with the different pattern. Anyone able to shed some light on this?

[CheapXJ]

stick with an XJ axle and run a 95/96 XJ master cylinder/booster combo.

[gator_grabber]

Okay, so I'll use the XJ front end (high pinion), but I'd still like better brakes. BTW, the late model booster is already installed. I've heard several times now about WJ front brakes being swapped onto the XJ D30, but can't seem to find any useful tech info on it. Take a look at a WJ's front brakes and you'll see why I want them. Anyone???

[whitexj88]

I have done the swap, it is not that bad but it is involved and requires fabrication. Not only do you get better brakes you also get better steering if you use a left hand drive right knuckle and a right hand drive left knuckle you can fab some fairly high steering as long as you don't mind using heims. This swap is best done on a non disconnect axle because you have more fab room on the tube. Below are some links to write ups. The ORGS article is good and they offer most of the fab parts to complete the swap. (trac-bar, trac-bar relocation for lower mount, sway bar brackets etc...) By the way if you decide to use his parts they were just bought by JKS so you will have to contact them to order parts. Mopar has a part number for the calipers(pre-loaded with pads), caliper brackets, and all hardware for about 120-140$ so you do not have to use junk yard brakes. If you do be sure to use the silver colored ones the other darker/older style tend to lock up/stick after time. I can get the mopar part number if you need it. If you cannot find any one to redrill the rotors I have a few new sets that are already drilled.

Articles

http://www.jeepsrus.org/tech/WJhubs/wjhubs.htm

http://www.orgsmfg.com/project/WJKnuckle.htm

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/xj_wjbrakes03/

Parts

tie rods

Fab Parts

[gator_grabber]

WhiteXJ,
Perfect! That's just what I was looking for. Thanks for all the info. I'll report back when the project is complete.

[whitexj88]

Let me know if you need any more info: part numbers, pictures, measurements,etc..

[gator_grabber]

Thanks, will do!