What rear ends interchange with a 1997 jeep?

Answer 1

If you are talking about a 1997 Jeep Wrangler, you can swap out a rear end from any 97-06 wrangler. You have to consider gear ratios however. The rear needs to match the front or you won't get far. First, determine your current gear ratio, then shop around for another jeep rear end with the same ratio. If you are lucky, you can find a tag on the rear differential with the ratio stamped on it. The 4cyl models came with a lower gear ratio if that's what you are looking for. However, all models use the Dana 35 with a 27 spline axle, which is very weak and not necessarily worth spending money on. It would be better to take a Dana 44 out of a rubicon model, or reconfigure another Dana 44, then regear the front diff. Another option is the Ford 8.8 out of a 95 and up explorer. It uses a 31 spline axle shaft and much beefier tubes. It is almost the same width as the dana35 and only requires cutting off the brackety and welding on the correct jeep mounts. As a bonus you get disc brakes as well, and it has the same wheel bolt pattern. Search the web and figure out what's best for you