mod_junkie

anyone done this ive been searching the forums for it but know luck do you guys thinks its worth it?

greenbergsxj

i guess you'd be looking at getting new driveshafts (front and rear), transfer case, and a whole new front axle with differential...

i'm sure theres more parts to it, but unless you go to a junkyard and a find a 4x4 cherokee with its drivetrain in line its probably easier to just buy a different cherokee

okcjeeper

You will also need a new trany since a 2wd trany won't bolt up to a t-case. Probably easier to get it out of the same year model as yours. Although my friend turned a 2wd 94 into 4wd with a trany and t-case from an 89. It can be done just more involved. Honestly it's easier to just buy a new jeep.

mod_junkie

good to know do you guys know of any write ups on this? i just want to double check

OverlandZJ

A 4wd conversion is a bolt on job, as long as you source the right parts.

Your rig an automatic? You can basically use any trans transfer assembly from 87 through 96. I think it was 98 when the AW-4 plug changed... so 96 you'll be safe.

I converted my 94 to 4wd about ten years ago after rolling my 88, back then there were just a couple who had done it.. i had to do mine by checking and matching components. It's much easier nowadays since it's been discussed so many times.

kitsapfreerider

This is one of those questions that if you have to ask, you most likely shouldn't be doing it. For safety reasons and sanity. get some more wrench time under ur belt and then think about it latter...or just buy a different 4x4 XJ. That option would probable be cheaper.

losingxinsight

I disagree about more wrench time. I've had plenty but if I were doing this big of a job I'd want to confirm things just so I did it right the first times. Asking questions doensn't mean you need more experience.


However, it still would be easier to buy a different XJ...but I'm not discouraging you from doing it.

itsajeepthang

doing it right now with my 2wd...put it this way i paid 250 bucks for the xj....then i found a wrecked tj with the transfer case trans and the motor for 100 bucks ... had to find the shifters got those for 20 bucks from another forum...good thing is the tj came with the drive shafts.....so i lucked out ..

price list so far for me
xj---$250
sold tires off xj--- $200
so 50bucks for xj
wrecked tj----$100
shifters---$20

so far i got 170 bucks into the jeep
and i got a 4inch lift for some weldn work on another jeep....looking good for a budget build so far.....

zedpapa

you may want to double check the clocking of the transfer case on the tj trans. i have heard that they are clocked higher requiring floor pan massage on an xj.

to the original topic, i don't think it is that hard of a project. i will be doing it to my 89. i was lucky enough to buy a junk cherokee that had a good drive train in it. just make sure to get all of the shifter assembly out of the donor vehicle. there is a plate that bolts to the floor that holds the transfer case shifter. the other thing to watch for is the gear ratios. it might help to snag both axles from the donor vehicle. might work out if you can upgrade the rear at the same time. also, the swap can be done in stages if your jeep is a driver. get the shift linkage in one night, do a trans/transfer case swap the next and the front axle the following. the calipers are same so you don't even have to bleed brakes.

zedpapa

tj40

Its not that hard, find your rear gear ratio- probably 3.55 if you have a auto. find a junk yard, Snag a front axle complete $100-200,Soak bolts with a freeing agent. You can bolt your calipers onto the donor axle, no need to open up the brake system. This took me a couple hours(some rusted bolts took awhile) snag the driveshafts and 4x4 shifter while purchasing the axle you will get a better deal. I drove mine with the donor axle for a month before snagging the aw4 with the transfer case off craigslist for $200. Honestly the hardest part was the two top bolts on the trans e-12 bolts I bought 36" of wobbler extensions it was easy after that..........

XjTank98

i need to know the stock tag number for the xj 4x4 front end so i can pick one up at a junk yard because my whole assemble needs changed anyone know that tag number its a 98 cherkee xj

OverlandZJ

Not sure what your asking for but...

Your 98 Cherokee has a model Dana 30 front axle under it.

You'll need to match the gearing which depends on the engine and transmission combination you have.

JSmith0055

i'm looking into doing the same thing, i'm gonna pick up a junked xj, since i have a 98 does it have to be a 98 or can it be in the 97-01 range? i'm gonna pay my mechanic to do it hope he doesnt charge too much

MidnightRider

also looking into doing this with my 98 classic juding by overlandxj's earlier posts we are gona need the same year xj, at least thats what im gettin from it

OverlandZJ

Not necessarily the same year... but the later XJ's need a bit more checking. There was a plug change somewhere in the newest body style XJ's.. you'll need to match this up.

Maybe someone else will chime in with definitive info to clear this up?...