I currently own a 1996 cherokee classic 4x4 and I have the opportunity to buy a much nicer 2000 xj. Only problem... 2wd.

I want to convert the 2000 to 4wd using parts from my 96. I know most of it is just bolt on but I'm not sure if my 96 parts will work on the 2000 and my question is am I going to run into any problems?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks guys

 

Unfortunately the transmissions are somewhat different between the 4WD versions and 2WD versions, to make up for the lack of a transfer case. There's some information in here: http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970

The other hurdle is the exhaust manifold. A few changes were made in 2000 that wound up in Chrysler standardizing on a Low Pinion front axle on both TJs and XJs. If you have the California or 50-state emissions package the exhaust will hit the drive shaft to the 1996's High Pinion D30. On the Federal/49-state version this MAY happen... can't quite remember. I'm pretty sure an exhaust shop can help you with this. If you lift the XJ like 3" or 4" it's not a problem whatsoever.

 

The front axle won't fit unless you have a 4 inch lift.The 00 used a low pinion dana 30 to clear the funky exhaust they put on it with the dual cats.The high pinion dana 30 you have from your 96 will fit if you have a 4 or 5 inch lift to clear that exhaust.Which rear end does both jeeps have in them ?If the 00 is a dana 35 and the 96 is chrysler 8.25 i would swap the rear end also.

 

I have a 5.5 inch RE lift so I don't think the exhaust will be a problem and I plan on swapping the 8.25 on my 96 to the 2000 because it is a much better rear end.

I am worried about the tranny and t-case tho. I have an aw4 and an np231 t-case

 

Nothing to worry, just drop the 2wd tranny and swap the 4x4 aw4 in.

 

So the aw4 out of my 96 will bolt right into the 2000?

 

No http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970

 

Like I didn't even post lol

 

Alright, you'd have to splice wires and such.

 

Theres going to be wiring harness issue between 96 and 2001 2wd and 4wd ...

 

Yeah I kinda missed the tranny thing you posted sorry bout that lol

 

So I'm pretty much screwed until I buy a 98-01 tranny?

 

Depend on how much work you want to do...

 

Look in your area for people doing part outs. Junkyards charge crazy prices for large items like motors, transmissions, t-c's and axles. Over the years Ive gotten quotes that would blow your mind. Waggy 44s at 650 an axle, 8.25 at 400, explorer 8.8 at 550, 99xj transmission for a buddy at 675, found a 96 xj with a sye and they wanted 450 for the transfer case. I still call about the waggy 44 and over 3 years they drop it too 550 amd said he was cutting me a deal. I live an hour from DC on the east coast so things are a bit higher then the mid west but that's still a rip off. I've currently got a 97xj that I'm parting out and would sell the trans for 150 if someone wanted it. I picked it up for the grey interior, 231, 8.25, driveshafts and got the whole vehicle less then any of those quotes.

 

Ridiculous prices man. I'm sure I can find a tranny out here if I have to.