I'm looking at a 2005 CRD limited with a toasted rear axle. The input seal went and the PO didn't do anything until it "started making a grinding noise" It took out the 3rd and may have damaged the housing. The rest of the jeep is pretty nice. The price is suddenly very negotiable. I'm just wondering how much of a project the rear axle swap is? I have found a stock replacement unit locally. I'm thinking it's not a huge project. I've got access to a shop with a lift, and would consider myself a pretty competent DIY.
Anyone want to weigh in?

Jason

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2005 Black Limited CRD, GDE ECO tune otherwise stock. 165K and hoping for 500K

Even in a driveway should nopt take more then 2 hours max if your pretty good with a wrench.The hardest part is bleeding the brakes.

Cool. Thanks. So plan on about about a six pack.

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2005 Black Limited CRD, GDE ECO tune otherwise stock. 165K and hoping for 500K

I took the axle off of my CJ, took it to a shop, had them rebuild some seals and bearings and stuff, and I replaced it in a matter of eight bolts and some change... but it isn't my daily driver. I don't remember bleeding the brakes. Then again, my brakes suck... I wouldn't think the axle is too hard. I've replaced my KJ U-joints. That wasn't too hard. If you have not bought it yet, I would let them know that the job will take three weeks just for the parts.

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2005 Black KJ Sport CRD,
GDE Full Torque ECO TUNE, GDE Transmission ECO Tune,
Samco British Racing Green Hoses
Build Date 1/05
200k miles.
Original Owner

Picked up the jeep. Quick question, I was looking at it today, and was wondering what is the best way to disconnect the rear subframe (top A arm) from the dif.
1. unbolt from body
2. unbolt the three bolts that hook it to the pumpkin. looks like a PIA to get to while laying on back)
3. unbolt the one little 18mm bolt on top of the pumpkin that looks like a friction joint for a ball joint type thing.

I'm thinking that the three (21mm??) bolts might be the best option. Unless no one weighs in, thats what I'm going to do.

thanks

Jason

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2005 Black Limited CRD, GDE ECO tune otherwise stock. 165K and hoping for 500K

I have wondered that same question myself. My guess is that #2 would be the way to try and do it first...

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2005 Stone White KJ Limited CRD 4x4
Off-Road Pkg
Trac-Lok
Emu 790s/948s
Skyjacker H7088s rear/Bilsteins front
15x7 Black Rock Lobos/31x10.50 Firestones
GDE HOT Tune + TCM Tune
Euro TC
CB radio
Thrush Turbo muffler
AEM DryFlow filter

got it done. Took about 6 hours over two days. Pretty straight forward. It great to have it on the road.

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2005 Black Limited CRD, GDE ECO tune otherwise stock. 165K and hoping for 500K