Sandyman

I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 cherokee 198K with 4wd. Is the 4wd a bolt up to my 2001 2wd and are there any issues to be aware of. I would like to make the conversion but don't need any headaches. My current understanding is a 98 and up is a direct bolt on to the 2001. Any advice or suggestions are as always appreciated. Thank you Sandyman

Cane

unless you've already made sure, start with the basics, do the axles have the same gear ratios?

then what is the transmission on your 2wd? automatic or manual? I think the output shaft is not the same on 2wd and 4wd, so you need to replace the transmission (I guess that's ok since you're also getting the TC from that donor so you know they're compatible)

Sandyman

Mine is auto and the 4x4 is auto also. Wouldn't I change both axles? My idea is to just swap parts and sell the old 4x4 as a 2wd. I should be able to get everything I need and resell for the same money so all I should have in my conversion is mostly my labor cost and that is free. Or am i incorrect?

LAF1269

Why not just keep the '98 the way it is? The '98 is arguably a better year than the '01 anyway.

Sandyman

I'm in to deep $ on the 01. Plus I have it where I want it. A 4x4 in my area is worth about 3-4 grand more than the 2wd. So, if I could break even on the jeeps and only have my labor I have made a good jeep and a good deal. My question is can I do this swap year wise and is it pretty much a bolt up? I won't mess with it if it is fab work involved or deep involved technical work as I am not qualified.

wcw4496

As long as it's an automatic with an automatic or manual with a manual you'll be fine. If the axles have the same gear ratio then you do not have to touch your rear axle. And the shifter has a plate on the transmission tunnel that unbolts and you can bolt the shifter in. You just have to pull your carpet up some. And while you do that you might as well put a cable shifter in.

I have a 99 Cherokee and had my transmission rebuilt to a 4wd and I have a 91 front axle which is a 27 spline and a 99 rear axle which is a 29 spline. No issues yet.

Fred/N0AZZ

If you have both of them you can make it work, but you were given a better suggestion with keeping the 98 and selling yours. The swap should be not that hard being you have all the parts at hand to do the job but you should expect a few problems with just removing everything as should be expected.

Turbo X_J

The whole thing is barely worth that much. Unless you have waaaay too much spare time &patience it's just not worth the trouble.

Sandyman

Thanks for all the suggestions and ideas. I'm going to go take a look at it and will let you know what I find out

Orlo

Drive that 98. I've had one for the last 6 years and it pretty much represents the pinnacle of where the XJ went on the evolutionary scale. Modern enough with features, yet not prone to the issues of the 00 and 01's.

Swapping major drive line components sounds like a whole lot of frustration when you already have them installed in one of your rides.