4 door xj 4wd conversion
 

Hey everyone, new member here. I own a 2 door 4wd xj and I was wondering if I could take my working drive train and axels and transplant them on to a 4 door xj. They are both the same year. Really the only thing about my 2 door is it's rusted to hell. 4 door one has a solid body.

I have never torn into a car and attempted to fix anything larger then an alternator. I feel I can do it in time but I'm wanting to know if it's "plug and play" like the computer world. My plan was to take it as a whole unit rather then separate parts. Any advice would be appreciated.

Are they both 4.0 / automatic trans? What year?

Well they both are a 96 automatic. Only difference I see is the 4wd and 2 more doors lol. 4 door Jeep does not have an engine with it so I’m Not sure of the exact model

i guess what I really want to know is if I can pull the engine/transmission and transfer case all at once without separating them and if they will slot into the other Jeep with somewhat ease

I would check on the engine of the 4 door first thing. Also, the 4 door and 2 door may have different driveshaft lengths, not sure, but its something to check. Most likely, the front axle will be a direct swap, as will the engine, trans, and transfer case. I don't know if you can pull them all together. Also, if you are going to be pulling them, while they are out it may not be a bad idea to at least do a light rebuild on them. Do gaskets, etc. Its a lot easier to do while they are on a bench / stand, vs. in the vehicle. Curious to know how you make out, i'm considering converting my 2 door 2wd to 4wd.

Yes, i was thinking that the driveshafts would be different lengths... I hope not. I am not a mechanic and that's why I didn't want to separate them if I didn't have to but the light rebuild is a really good idea. I think I'm going to try to follow that path at the moment. I will be sure to update my thread with progress... and more questions I'm sure. If you start your conversion your welcome to post pictures and progress here. I'm sure it would help me lol

In theory, you can probably source some of the parts from junkyards to complete the project with what you have, but it is going to be a huge undertaking. That is why I still am on the fence about it, especially since I don't have a garage or much space where I am now. This project would probably take you awhile, especially if you are rebuilding/ refreshing parts you are putting into the 4 door. It may just be easier to sell both vehicles to find a 4 door with 4wd, (unless there are sentimental reasons for keeping what you have).

Well the main reason I’m wanting to do this is because I love my XJ but I need one with 4 doors and a floor. I really don’t have money to put into it. I figured I can convert the 2wd Jeep while I move my working parts to a more solid usable body. My main concerns are the drivetrain. 4wd is just an added bonus that I’m wanting to do while I’m working on it. I know this is going to be a big stressful project but I really love the XJ and I want to preserve my working parts while I can. I would just patch my floors but the rust has already taken major structural points like the bumper mounts and other support points for suspension and what not. It’s my only daily driver so I’m SOL if I break it lol that’s why I’m looking for a temp car too XD

The driveshaft for the D35 is one inch longer than for the 8.25. If both vehicles
have the same rear axle and gear ratio, then you don't have to swap the rear,
unless you have other reason to.

Your biggest difficulty is going to be rust and breaking bolts. That is a concern
mostly for the receiver vehicle. A transmission jack would be a big help.

I know the engine and transmission can come out together, but don't know if
the TC can come out with it. This thread lists some special tools to have.
https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1069767

Yeah, you will for sure need another dd while this is going on. It will take awhile unless you have a few friends with tools helping you out.