Jeep Cherokee Diff

A couple of years ago I was getting a seal in the transfer case of the Cruiser done and there was a reasonably new Jeep Cherokee in the workshop ( diff specialist) with a tag on it's window. I enquired as to it's problem and he said he was waiting for approval to rebuild the diff from the powers to be. He said that the diffs leave a lot to be desired and it was not a one off problem. Hoping for your sake that it's not true.

Ok the unit has come to my attention I am an aged diesel fitter having little respect for the manufacturing qualities these days.That aside my experience is some of the workshops are a little cash happy where customers are concerned .The slightest opportunity to restore a component to brand new status believing that essential to reliability for the customer and part of the business cash flow sometimes isnt good customer service.Keep your jeep they are built to a budget but are no different to most 4wd.My experience is keep the oil changes up monitor the bits, that way removes them from self destruct mode wait for the noises, they wont stick you up unless you fail in your assessment and may very well last much longer than everyone predicts. I will be howled by the repairers but I am one and have experience

I had a 97 xj Jeep Cherokee which had its rear diff rebuilt at 90,000 klms. The problem was the bearings being over tensioned at the factory. It was a common problem on xj jeeps which were used for towing campers etc. I have not heard of a similar problem on the kjs. The cost of the rebuilt in 2001 was $1300.00.
If you live in Brisbane got to either Hammonds 4wd or Peter Foot at Westside 4x4.
Both are jeep experts.
Peter

Just a little note to perhaps set your mind at ease, I have towed my 15 foot Jayco many thousands of kilometres behind my 1996 XJ model Cherokee, at this point in time it is the best, most relaible, vehicle I have ever owned, it also happens to be my No 29th vehicle. Our Cherokee has now travelled 140K km.
It has taken us to every corner of this wide land, except Tassie (soon to come) and it amazes me that they are not more common them they are, Cherokee's make an ideal tow vehicle for the lighter 'vans with the six cylinder petrol engine, they are pretty basic with very few production line changes since 1984, sure, they may not be able to compete with 'Cruisers or Patrols off road but they sure cost a lot less.
I know of some examples in the US that have travelled in excess of 400,000 kilometres without major problems but there is a trick, you have to service them religiously.
Cost of parts was a major problem with Jeeps but nowadays there are many local non-genuine manufactures competing, there is also a wealth of modification and improvement add-ons available in the USA and many places there offer shipment via the WWW.
If I sound like a Jeep nut you are right, this is my second Jeep, definantly not my last!!

Re the Jeep Cherokee XJ not able to go where 'Cruisers,Patrols do I differ.On Vic High Country tour my XJ was able to do ALL switch-back bends on trails,in one go.All other Patrols,Cruisers etc did 2 & 3 "back'n fills" to ger around and losing momentum and traction on the steep,loose slopes at the same time.With Dunlop Grantreks on it flew up the muddy,slippery pinches.I have video of 10 people trying to push a cruiser up a slope my Cherokee (a tonne lighter) flew up..We have owned Patrols for 7yrs.Yes,'cruisers and Patrols are indeed great rigs,if you want a large,expensive vehicle.I find I have more fun in a smaller rig.JMHO (Cruisers are unsuitable for offroad as ex factory.Owner must fit a swing-out rear spare wheel carrier. $ 600+ ??