How to Install an XJ 14 Bolt

The XJ, also known as the Jeep Cherokee, was developed by Chrysler in 1984 and produced until 2001. One of the many modifications that you can perform on your XJ is installing a GM14 bolt rear end. This further supports the rear end of your XJ, which is useful if you plan to do a lot of off-roading. The only problem with doing this is that the XJ might not have as much of a ground clearance due to the larger GM14 rear.

Instructions

1

Lift up the XJ using a jack and support the XJ with jack stands.

2

Remove the two rear wheels using a wheel wrench to remove the wheel nuts.

3

Remove the eight bolts from the rear driveshaft using a socket wrench. Use a socket wrench to also remove the rear axle shaft, the gasket and the wheel hub.

4

Use a clean rag to clean off any lubricant from the bolts.

5

Remove the rear axle drive pinion just below the flange nut. Use a socket wrench to remove the four large bolts securing it.

6

Remove the oil seal and housing bore with a socket wrench.

7

Remove the eight large bolts from the rear axle using an impact gun. Once all eight bolts have been popped out, slowly lower the rear axle to the ground.

8

Place the GM14 rear axle onto the Cherokee. Use an impact wrench to install the accompanied bolts. This will secure the rear axle to the XJ.

9

Install a new oil seal and housing bore onto the rear axle with a socket wrench.

10

Reattach the rear axle drive pinion. Reattach the wheel hub, the rear axle shaft and the rear driveshaft.

11

Reattach the wheels and remove the jack stands. Lower the XJ to the ground.