What parts do I need to convert a 1998 cherokee from 2wd to 4wd and how much should I expect it to cost? This jeep is my first jeep and first vehicle, so I would like to convert it to 4wd instead of buying a new Jeep

 

D30 front 92-99
Tranny and t case from 97-99
Driveshafts and linkage for t case shifter.

Cost me around $400. Easiest thing to do is buy a wrecked 4wd parts jeep

 

Welcome to the forum

 

You will also need the small light wiring for the transfer shift bezel, all new fluids for the trans/transfer. You also need to make sure the donor front axle has the same gear ratio as your rear axle. The speed sensor wiring will have to be extended to reach the t-case. Try your best to find a donor vehicle the same year as yours to make it easy.

I did it less than a month ago. Easy, straight forward swap. There were plenty of nay sayers out there saying it was going to be difficult. I started my swap at 9am and was on my test drive by 6pm with a lunch break.

Sure I could have bought a different jeep but this one was cheap and very well taken care of. It was never off road and owned by a retired gentleman. The pride I have in converting it to 4x4 is better than just buying one. Built not bought as most of the nay sayers stickers say.

Go for it and never look back.

 

A new 4x4 Cherokee

Brandon

 

Please tell me why?

 

Exactly, built not bought thanks for all the info

 

They don't make new Cherokees. They stopped making them in 2001.

 

Well, Jeep is making something in 2014 that they call the Cherokee...

 

Again, it's not a Cherokee, they stopped making REAL Cherokees' (XJ platform) in '01.

 

Its really easy, Go for it!
I did the same thing and never looked back

 

In about 2 hrs u can install a auto-locking diff in the rear and gain crazy torque to the ground in your 2WD XJ. No more 1 tire fires.

 

So are you saying just add locking diffs and keep it 2wd?

 

You'd be amazed what a 2wd, locked XJ can do. I just wanted 4x4. I hate feeling inferior.

 

Driving on the street with the diff locked is gonna **** things up
fast tire wear for one