So I've just bought a nice 2001 4x2 Cherokee sport for a great price and I want to convert it to 4x4. I have done a search and read through several threads but haven't seen what I need to know about the model years.

Basically I've found several cheap donor vehicles for the conversion but they're all older models 95-96s mainly. Will the components from these year models work or should I try to stick to the 2000-2001 model years?

I'm not that concerned about gear ratios as I'll likely change gears front & rear anyway while I have it down.

Any info or pointers will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

This depends on a couple of things. Namely, the transmissions are slightly different. I'm not sure if a 95 AW4 will actually hook up to a 2001 TCU. Your electronic VSS should work fine in the older transfer case should you pinch one that's got a cable-driven speedo.

Are you going to be lifting it? The big difference between <1999 and >2000 is a change to low pinion front differential. If you try to put an older model high-pinion D30 up front at stock heigh, the drive shaft will hit your 2001's larger exhaust manifold.

 

Thanks man. Actually the previous owner has already put a 5.5" lift & 32" BFG mud terrains on it. I think he did it in preparation to convert it to 4wd but just didn't have the time to devote to it. I've actually found some very promising leads on a couple of donor vehicles for decent prices

 

Oh well then. Any D30 will do. Right out of any 95 or 96-99 XJ will have strongest U joints and the strongest housing. If you get a slightly older year with smaller U joints, you can just swap in the shafts from a 96+ XJ, or from any TJ.

With that much lift you're pretty much guaranteed to require an SYE so transfer case won't matter.