Just got my 96 Cherokee back from the mechanics and he's saying that real soon I'm gonna need to replace both front u-joints and axles. I don't feel comfortable just letting someone else put parts into the truck without researching them first so I'll probably get the parts myself.

So, I'm writing in to ask you guys where should I look to buy these 2 u-joints and axles? Here in Lex, Ky we got O'Reileys, Advanced, Auto Zone, Car Quest, Napa, and KOI. Do any of these places carry decent drive train parts that I can trust?

Also, I'm bout ready to do a little tune up and I'm replacing plugs, wires, cap, rotor, and fuel filter. Any advice on where to get these?

Really appreciate the advice.

Your local auto parts (NAPA, AutoZone, etc) are fine for general plugs, wires, and other tuneup items.

For axles and U-joints, check out QuadraTech and Morris 4x4 Center (http://www.jeep4x4center.com/)

Not sure why he would say the axle needs replacing soon. Generally, if you need to replace an axle, you will know it needs to be replaced.

U-joints can show signs of wear.

Around here I like O'Rileys first and Napa second. For the people! Not particularly for the parts. I have found NAPA to be able to find hard to get parts a little more often than Orileys.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

rockauto.com

most cheapest place with high quality stuff, and probably still cheaper even with shipping

I wonder why he said axles??

Axle shafts? The axle housing?

Axle shafts, and housings are one of those parts that don't really wear... It's just a chunk of steel that takes torque, but doesn't necessarily rub on anything.

I wonder if he is being lazy and just ordering pre-assembled new axle shafts and u-joints and installing them as a package.

There are two different size u-joints in '96 XJ's front Dana 30 axle.

Spicer #260X is the small one (Standard Dana 30 size), 297X are the larger ones (Dana 44 size). There is a tag on the diff cover with the axle build code/bill of materials #. A dealer that carries Spicer can cross the number and be sure of the part he is selling you is correct. You could also bring the old ones in to your local parts store to match them up.

If you have to replace the halfshafts, order the larger u-jointed ones, they will interchange perfectly as a unit. '97 and up all use the larger u-joints. TJ and ZJ shafts will interchange, too. You can also get super strength Chrome Moly halfshafts from aftermarket suppliers.

I've had very good luck ordering gears and other axle parts from these guys:
http://completeoffroad.com/