How much would you pay for used axles?

I was just curious what you guys think.

I decided that instead of rebuilding my axles on my XJ Cherokee (has a really bad bearing howl at speed), I would find some low miles used ones. I don't have the time (or resources) to rebuild them and don't have the money to take it to a shop.

I figured I would find a front and rear low mileage axle that I could just swap in. I know I run the risk of purchasing another bad axle, but I need to fix this damn truck.

I have a list of other priorities, but axles are still high on the list.

I found a guy selling a front and rear (same ratio as mine) for $200 a piece. I don't want to pay that much. I don't think it would be offensive to ask if he'd sell the pair for $300. I'm going to keep looking though.

Why would they both be bad at the same time? Once you figure out which one it is, just replace the one, unless it turns out to be your xfer case. Mine went at 98k on my '98 XJ, I think the ex-wife took it to a quick lube place that drained both the trans and xfer and then only refilled the trans.

And I thought everyone was swapping in Explorer rear axles into XJs these days for the disk brakes and easier-to-find LSD units?

They both went bad at the same time because I was a moron and didn't check the gear oil level before I went and got stuck in the mud. They both are making different frequency howls. The front axle is a higher pitch than the rear. Its quite annoying actually. I won't make that mistake again.

If a ford 8.8 is easy to swap in, I may consider it, but I would rather save the time of modification to just get both axles swapped out in the same day.

the 8.8 isnt a direct swap. perches are different widths along with total width, not to mention driveshaft mating. we're running one in the XJ-R and it certainly isnt hard to swap, but not without light fab work.

i'd replace the worse off axle and see if it all goes away. could be front wheel hubs too for front end noise.

Price will really depend on which axles you're buying. $200 is expensive for a Dana 30/35, but not so much for a Dana 44.

I think I'd just rebuild the axles you have now.

I paid $125 for an 8.8 posi.

and yet, $800 is a deal for a high pinion DANA 60 front axle.

Chrysler quit using the Dana stuff in Jeeps for a reason; the low mile units you buy now will howl later. There are rebuild methods out there, I believe, that fix these issues but you have to be cognizant of the problems and how to go about fixing them when you rebuild.

I saw rebuild your known quantity axles, replace only if damaged to where common rebuild parts will not fix the howl. That's my idea anyway, I've never rebuilt an axle, so this is probably easier said than done.

Pick n Pull in Summit IL (closest PnP to you) has 9 XJs in their lot - axles are 36.98 with 3.99 core charge. Go get a set - keep your eyes peeled for the ones that came with D44s.