Jeep Cherokee XJ Automatic 4WD Front Driveshaft 938-128

This is a complete front driveshaft assembly that runs from the transfer case front output to the front axle on the Jeep XJ platform with the 4.0L inline six and an automatic transmission. It replaces Jeep 53005542AC, 53005542, 53003248 and 53005040, and cross-references to Dorman 938-128.

Listed fitment: 1987-2001 Jeep Cherokee 4.0L 4WD, 1987-1992 Comanche 4.0L 4WD and 1987-1990 Wagoneer 4.0L 4WD, all with automatic transmissions. The shaft is about 31.65 inches long and weighs about 19 pounds. Manual-transmission XJs use a different front shaft, 938-129, which is listed separately.

On an XJ the front shaft usually wears at the double-cardan joint at the transfer case end. The signs are a clunk or bind when 4WD is engaged, a vibration in 4-high, or play you can feel by hand at the CV joint. Lifted Cherokees wear out this joint faster because of the steeper operating angle, so check your lift height before buying a stock-length shaft.

Bench notes: mark the yoke and flange before removal, and hold the shaft up as you remove the U-joint straps at the axle so the caps do not fall off. Put a little grease on the slip yoke splines and torque the flange bolts to the factory spec.