Cherokee front axle help

[wendelator]

I went to the junk yard and pulled a new front axle and front rear for my 96 cherokee country, when i got it home and started to put it together i realized the one i pulled had a vacuum 4 wd(and it was from a cherokee laredo)where as the old one did not, the gears are the same 3.55, and the new one had abs so after changing spindals and getting it together i am wondering ,can i change it over to locking hubs or did i just waste time and money on this, it rides fine but i havent tried the 4whd yet any help or advice would be appreciated.



THANK YOU

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Some XJ's had the vacuum disconnect on the front axle, some didn't. It won't cause you a problem, there are several easy solutions.

1) Install the vacuum shift motor upside down on the axle, the shift fork will be indexed so the locking collar is always engaged.
2) Install the long passenger side axle shaft from the old non-disco axle into the newer one, but you will need to replace a seal or two to make it work.
3) Install washers behind the shift fork so it always stays engaged.
4) Install a manual cable or vacuum switch to engage the vacuum switch, and save tons of money over getting the manual hubs. You can then run a locker and disconnect the passenger side from the cab for selectability.