alwaysdutch

I am new to this forum and I want to take on the task to swap my 2WD over to a 4WD. Yes I know, I am better off finding a 4WD, but I really my 2WD, is in excellent condition (minus a bad transmission), and I just bought already the 4WD transmission.

I was wondering if anyone has swapped the transmission over and if they used a 4WD trans in a 2WD XJ.

Some will say that I have to do is swap the rear end off the transmission to use it on the one I bought, others will say it simply doesn't fit.

In either case, i have no choice than to fix it, and starting to think to actually make it a project to convert the 2WD in a 4WD.

Thoughts?

timberwolf

Welcome to the forum.

Since you already have the transmission, look for a transfer case and rear driveshaft next. If you are short on funds or time, you can wait on the front axle

alwaysdutch

Thanks for the info. I am also trying to find more info on the Dana 30 that I will need. Any ideas on what to look for and are there any tricky points?

Big Lee

I just completed mine this past week. Extremely simple swap. I expected more headaches but did not encounter any. I went to a junk yard pulled the trans, tcase, driveshafts and front diff. Make sure your front and rear diff gear ratios match. I got the np242 tcase. The shifter and shifter plate on the floor board swapped over. No cutting or driilling needed. When you find a good donor make sure to un bolt the shifter pivot. It's on the side of the floor pan. While pulling the trans you'll see it. The junk yard I got parts from gave a 30 day warranty. The front drive shaft was bent so I swapped it. Other than that I have already taken it offroad.

Big Lee

I guess I should have added. Mine is a 96 grand Cherokee

Fred/N0AZZ

You should look for a more desirable HPD30 out of a pre 2000 XJ for more clearance instead of the LP from the 00-01 models. As far as installing they are the same on both.

alwaysdutch

Thanks all for the info. I do want to make sure I buy an assembly that fits my Jeep and that it is mileage wise useful.....

djb383

Just gonna throw this out there.......have u considered installing a auto locker in the rear diff? Takes about 2 hrs to install, no special tools, no ring/pinion set-up.......and if u still want 4WD (with a rear locker), u'll have all kinds of traction.

alwaysdutch

No I have not. I will be honest and tell you that I am new to the 4WD world. I have swapped engines and transmissions, and do basically anything myself on my cars, no matter what job, but 4WD and Jeep is new to me.

I probably don't have all the funds to buy all the parts needed at once, but if it is something good, I have time and install it.

djb383

Here is a decent video showing how a auto locking diff performs compared to open diffs....4X2 and 4X4 . Forget the fact that it is a G80 locking diff in the video..... the G80 is just one of a number of different brands and types of auto locking diffs.


It's also clear in the video to see that a rear locking diff can have an advantage over typical 4WD and a auto locker is ready to go all the time.....pavement or off road , makes no difference.

We in stalled a PowerTrax No-Slip in the rear of our 2WD XJ 4+ years ago. Still see two black marks AND a big 'ol grin in the rear view mirror today.

alwaysdutch

That is a nice feature to have, but first I need to get this thing to run. I just got the transmission in today but I feel I got fooled by the company who sold me the tranny. Shipping cost was too high and I think the fluid was never checked. Surely will report them if it is bad sock, and looking to buy parts from other Jeep fanatics first....