Matt_the_Butcher

Hi.

I am about to finally begin my 4x4 conversion on my 97 XJ. I pulled the AW4 (I understand that will require wire splicing & sensor swapping), shafts, linkages, shifter, harnesses, etc. from a 2000 XJ with a blown motor & body badly rotten with rust. I didn't bother pulling the LP D30. I found a guy parting out a 98 or 99 RHD XJ that has a HP D30 cheap. I can't find much info about the axles being universal or not. To my knowledge, the steering components are the same between 2wd & 4wd. I'm just unsure as to whether the brackets are the same or can be easily flipped. All the steering parts on my 97 2wd are good, so I'm hoping I can reuse those & just bolt everything up on the RHD D30. Any insight would be most appreciated.

DFlintstone

Hey Mat. With absolutely no real knowledge or experience here I'm going to say the axles are the same for RHD or LHD. (simply calling auto part stores or checking on Rockauto.com might tell you if the parts are different). "4x4 conversion" on a 97? , really? Here is all of craigslist, I got a pretty clean 4wd for $1200 a while back. Happy trails! > http://www.searchcraigslist.org/

fb97xj1

According to the 97-98 parts catalog, they are not the same. LHD and RHD have thier own part #. Never dealt with a RHD so i can only assume the difference is the trackbar bracket being on the other side of the axle. The parts catalog doesnt show that in the axle diagram. Same deal with 2wd.

Dave51

Maybe look at the parts list, and wherever they call for different part#s for 2WD, 4WD, RHD or LHD it may at least draw your attention as to where there may be an issue:

https://cdn.xjjeeps.com/pdf/en-us/19...ts-catalog.pdf

Dave51

Ooops! I need to post faster!

Matt_the_Butcher

Thank you all for the responses! I guess I'll have to keep digging. Its a killer deal & I'm wondering if the mods to make it work would be simple of if I should even bother. I've spent more on dumber learning experiences. Hahaha.

Matt_the_Butcher

"4x4 conversion" on a 97? , really?

Why does everyone seem to hate the 97? I know they're a "1 year wonder" when it comes to some wiring & such but they're almost the perfect recipient for donor parts with minimal modifications. Good body style, good axles & linkages too. I could buy a 4x4 up here but my 2wd 97 has a really clean body inside & out. Its worth a lot more to me than it will ever be worth to anyone up North.

DFlintstone

First off Whoops! Wrong again. (at least I didn't pretend I really knew!). No hate here, just seems like allot of work and expense when Jeeps that age are pretty affordable is all. Have fun and good luck!

Only 130K, $2,100 or make offer> https://lincoln.craigslist.org/cto/d...858454824.html

Matt_the_Butcher

I agree it would/will be a big pain in the ***. I actually eyeballed that Jeep, too. Not too too far from Junction City. 1 odd thing I've noticed lately is a few people listing 96 as a 97. I wonder if those are the 96.5 models I've heard about. They're the older body style but supposedly have the thicker 29 spline shafts and some other upgrades yhat 97+ have and 96 down do not. I really don't have much in the project & have everything less new u joints, straps etc. All I'm lacking is the HP D30 with 3.55 gears.

I understand why there's a lack of love for 00 & 01 XJs (0331 head & coil pack).

Really I don't have much climbing or off-roading to worry about in KS so I'm still on the fence on whether to just throw a Powertrax locker in the rear & get used to how it drives before winter. I can always hang on the the AW4 & 4wd guts til my 2wd AW4 dies in either my wife's 2000 or my XJ & upgrade to 4wd then. Decisions decisions.

DFlintstone

I have heard before the hill climbing Kansas is limited. Sweet idea! (a locker). I've never had one but it seems that would get you out of a jamb if needed. Then maybe watch CL for something sweet to come up? (maybe something that needs that AW4)

00t444e

A locker in the rear is a good idea, my rear Spartan does great for daily driving.

Pigeon

Is there a hill in Kansas?

Matt_the_Butcher

I've heard good things about Spartan, but heard they ratchet & clunk kinda loud. That doesn't really bother me. On the plus side I've read & seen installation vids & it looks pretty easy. So DD is good with a Spartan? I know don't give it much throttle in a turn.

Kansas has a lot more hills than Central Florida where i mostly lived. LOL

00t444e

Yes DD is fine with a Spartan locker, I have one in my Jeep and Dakota. I use 85w140 gear oil and they aren't that loud at all.

Matt_the_Butcher

Well, looking at the parts catalog, (thanks Dave51!) it does look like the housing is the same, so I imagine all I'd have to do is unbolt ALL of the RHD steering stuff and bolt ALL of the stuff off of my 97's. The RHD & LHD housing is the same. 2wd & 4WD steering components are the same. I just have to figure out if its worth the effort. Now the Spartan option seems like a way easier & effective idea...