Hello,
I recently purchased a 95 Cherokee and noticed it has some noise coming from the front end in 4wd. Today I jacked it up to discover the front axle universal joints are totally worn out.
Is it best to replace the axles or the universal joints?
Do I need to romove the front Differential cover to remove the axles or do they slide out once the front hub is removed?
Will the replacements slide back in?
I am new to the Jeep Thing, done quite a lot of off roading in the past but had a break and now looking to get back into it again.
Thanks Greg

 

Hello Greg, and welcome.
The best investment you could make for yourself and your Jeep is to purchase one of the repair manuals.
You can remove the axle shafts with out having to remove the dif cover, and yes they slide out when the hubs are removed.
You will need to purchase a few tools to do the job yourself, the first one you will need is a 12 point 13 mm socket to remove the hub bolts. You will also need a socket to remove the nuts on the ends of the axle shafts in order to remove the hubs.
When you replace the U - Joints I would suggest getting an upgraded set with the grease nipples, regular service will help in preventing them from waring in the future. Go for the Spicer U - Joints, you won't regret it.

If you have any other questions just ask, there are lots of people here on this board with a lot of experience.