Mortifix

I have a 2000 Jeep Cherokee Sport 2WD that I am really interested in converting to 4WD. I like the vehicle and I haven't been able to find a 4WD Jeep as nice for a good price. I am probably just going to pick up a donor and swap out the parts. The problem is I really don't know were to begin. I have searched many forums, but I cannot find a definite write-up on what exactly needs to be changed. I have attempted to compile a list of parts I would need.

Front Axle Assembly

Transfer Case /w Shifter

Cross Member

Front and Rear Driveshafts

4x4 Transmission

winston427

First, you need to do is sell the 2wd.
Second, find a good 4wd and purchase it.
Third, sit back and relax with all the extra time you now by not involving yourself with that headache.

Seriously, it is a project that can be accomplished, but is so much easier to find a 4wd.

gabe

Winston stole the word right out from under my finger tip's.It's not worth the time effort or cost.In the end it is way cheaper to just start with what you want then build on that,rather than do all the wrenching to have a stock 4x4.

Mortifix

Assuming selling my vehicle wasn't an option and I wanted a project like this....

winston427

You should be able to x the crossmember off your list. Everything else is a must plus more. Not exactly sure what all you will need.

Programbo

Man that sounds like a LOT of stuff to switch over..I would bet that it can all be gotten fairly easy though at junkyards if you are fortunate enough to live in an area ripe with them..I know here in Baltimore I can be at 5 pick-it yourself junkyards within 15-40 minutes and right now there`s probably 40-50 Cherokees among them all..Would make a fun project if you have the time..I`m going to the one jy tomorrow and I`ll nose around at the Jeeps and see if there`s any 2WD ones there and see what all looks different

Mortifix

Well the thing is that I kinda already started doing stuff to this jeep. Of course the tires I could always move to the new Jeep. I completely redid the sound system and added new fenders and a bumper and changed out the grill.

The main thing is that I don't know how much I could get for my Jeep and its my main vehicle so I couldn't be out of a vehicle for the time it would take to buy a new one. I figure I could find a donor at a junkyard for like $800 or 900.

BlueXJ

Well Mort I did this to a 96 a few years back. I found a rolled XJ in a J/Y and snagged the D30 front axle and the AW4 Tranny and the 231 transfercase plus the drive shafts. That was all I got from that Jeep but had to find a console and linkages from a second Jeep after I got started. It was pretty much remove the 2WD stuff and replace with the 4WD stuff. Not complicated at all but a buddy and I did it in one weekend after all the parts were aquired. All the wiring for dash lights are already there just not used on your 2WD. Had to install all the bulbs is all.

Mortifix

Was the D30 Front Axle standard in all 4WD Cherokees? Same with the 231 transfercase?

BlueXJ

D30 is standard but there are two versions. Disconnect and non-disconnect. Also two versions of transfer cases. 231 and 242. 242 has the fulltime option but that is not what I installed in the 96.

Mortifix

So was there like a Dana 30 2WD and 4WD version? The 2WD didn't come with a transfer case correct?

Programbo

I think there were several front axle setups on the 4WD Jeeps..My Haynes manual talks about a "Front Axle Shift Motor" and vacuum connections but mine has nothing like that.

winston427

There were 3 versions, disconnect on some but not all models up thru 91, non-disconnect used 92-99, both of which are high pinion, and low pinion on the 00-01 models.

Mortifix

Well I might do more searching for a 4x4 Jeep Cherokee, but I am still really interested in what goes into the conversion. I have been searching and realized that 2wd don't have a transfer case I was also reading the Dana's 30 to 60 are a strength rating depending on what kind of mudding you do.

Programbo

If your engine and stuff is good I`m sure a junkyard or even someone who is taking their to a junkyard would be a good source for a donor 4x4 Cherokee..I often go there and see perfect condition Jeeps and think about just getting one and swappong my motor over