Dugualla

What year vehicles can I grab the front and rearend assymblies for 2001 XJ 2WD to 4WD conversion? My plan is to over time purchase a rearend (D44 from an older XJ if it will fit), front end from the same vehicle, transmission and transfer case from a newer vehicle, drive shafts, and the incedentals. Also, I would like to lift it when the new (old) 4WD running gear is installed.

I know most people just say to buy the 4wd but I would probably lift it anyway and I would really like to have the older, bullet proof running gear in the newer rig.

Is there a better choice than the D44? I really don't want to be one of those guys on the side of the highway with a tire, wheel and axle shaft sticking a foot and a half out of the side of the wheel well so I would like to avoid c clips.

rweaver138

the best part about cherokees, ANY YEAR WILL BOLT RIGHT IN!! aside from the t-case that is, there was a transition year they went from 21 spline to 23 spline.

but in your case a D44 in the rear will work, but those are getting harder and harder to find. a 29 spline chrysler 8.25 from 97+ XJ's can hold up pretty well, although they are a c-clip axle.

for the front end you'll want a non disconnect, HPd30. not sure of the exact year range here but i think it was 94 or so when they stopped the vacuum connect (someone correct me if im wrong) so, 94 (or so) and up hpd30 and you'll be good.

prerunner1982

And even a swap to 4wd isn't all that hard since the suspensions and steering are the same between 2wd and 4wd.

I believe the last year for the vacuum disconnect was 91...

Bustedback

A pre 2001 front axle would be best because it is a reverse cut high pinion diff. So 94-00 front axle is what you want.

trans_am7935

try to get an axle out of a 97-99 cause they had the 297x u-joints, or out of a vehicle that had ABS in it...they have the same u-joints. although i run the 260x u-joints on my 90 HP Dana 30 axle with 4.56 gears, detroit lockers and 35" tires with no problems.