xj_maniac_newb

ok i was just setting the other day and started throwing around the idea of converting my 2wd jeep to a 4wd jeep. Is this even possible? I mean im not very experienced but would i be able to do this?

itsajeepthang

need an axle and transmission with transfer case .. i think ... i may be doing it to my 2dr

winston427

Axle, transmission, transfer case, front driveshaft, shifter and all the linkages. It can be done with a little effort.

xj_maniac_newb

would an unexperienced person be able to do this? i mean i can change my oil, brakes, and am not to bad with a wrench and screwdriver but have never done much except replace alternator and such

89eliminator

all bolt in

xj_maniac_newb

will i have to get a new transmission or will i be able to keep the one i have cause it really doesnt have that many miles on it

89eliminator

you will need a 4x4 trans

xj_maniac_newb

i see you did it to your mj, was it hard? how long did it take to replace the parts and did you just steal everything from a donor or did you have to buy some parts? and what would i do to put in a 4x4 shifter? will i have to cut a hole in the floor?

chrkeelvr

I'm new to this site and i was wondering myself about converting my 2wd to 4wd, but couldn't really find any info about it eslwhere, and i noticed there was already a cutout area in the console for the 4wd shifter. however, i wish all jeeps came with 4x4, without a 2wd option

89eliminator

sorry i didnt see this earlier. i got my parts from all over the place. it took me about 2 weeks to convert but i was also lifting it and doing gears at the same time. the hole is already there for the shifter, there is just cover over it. plus all the mounting holes are center punched so you just need to drill them out.

trapper

More $ than its worth.. unless the jeep holds sentimental value..

get a like year/model (blown motor) (in a (light) wreck) and use your current one for parts

good luck

ironmanandy

I used to do this quite often because you can get a 2wd dirt cheap and they are normally really clean. no 4x4 means less abuse.
The best way to go is to find a donor jeep and take everything, keeping all hardware and parts (trans, tcase- pull as one unit, shift linkages, 4x4 shifter and plastic bezel cover with the little brushy thing. Front and rear driveshafts. front axle and any vacuum equip if applicable.) All of the holes, mounting points etc are in place already. Just remove and replace. I got it down to about 1/2 day for the whole job. Keep in mind this is with air tools and alot of dirty tricks and experience up my sleeve. This is actually my favorite way to build an xj/mj because I know what I am dealing with having already built the foundation of my vehicle. Its also a good time to put in all new fluids and mounts.
Andy-ironman4x4fab.com

xj_maniac_newb

yes that was one of the main purposes of the idea, because my jeep was babied for the whole 100,000 miles its been on the road so no abuse at all. the main problem i would have is finding a 4cyl 5 speed donor that has close to the same miles as mine lol. anywho, the reason for me wanting to do this is because i have already bought the wheels and some other accessories that i wanted and i also know this jeep and its problems
Also, i was wondering how much it would cost to possibly have a mechanic put it in with me supplying the parts? i know you prob wont reccommend this but im a little mechanically challenged

ironmanandy

I cant imagine how much a mechanic would charge for this... probably more than the vehicle is worth. I don't know what kind of money you are working with but most folks I talk to around here are more do it yourselfers.
I would try and find some friends that know how to help you etc.
A-

xj_maniac_newb

yeah i figured it would be outrageous