canyonfireguy
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- CO
1999 XJ. 3.5" lift and 31" tires, but bone stock axles. Dana 30 front, and Chrysler 8.25 rear. AX15 manual trans, so 3.07:1 gears. 133,000 miles (literally rolled 133 today). Have been hearing the "growl" from the rear end for a week or two now. Popped the diff cover off today. Oil was very glittery with very fine metal dust. What I think is my backlash is horrible. Lots of slop and pinion and ring gears are only barely contacting. Everything is tight, and no sign of adjuster lock or lock bolts loose or having moved. Teeth on gears look fine. No chipping or damage, and no indications of extreme wear. I have done a lot of wheeling and towing with this Jeep, and there has been some minor driveshaft wobble when first starting out ever since the lift was done. There does not seem to be any lateral or front to back movement in the pinion bearing, and no oil leaking out of that front seal.
Is this something that just needs to be adjusted or are my pinion and ring gears worn out at 133,000 miles? I would also love to hear some advice and recommendations on best gear ratio and LSD carrier or lockers for 31s with 33s being a possible upgrade later on. Appreciate any help offered.
Is this something that just needs to be adjusted or are my pinion and ring gears worn out at 133,000 miles? I would also love to hear some advice and recommendations on best gear ratio and LSD carrier or lockers for 31s with 33s being a possible upgrade later on. Appreciate any help offered.