Hey everyone. I have a '96 XJ, 2DR, 2WD, 4.0, automatic. I recently acquired a '90 XJ, 4DR, 4WD, 4.0, automatic. I'm just wondering what parts can be taken off the '90 and put onto the '96? Specifically wanting to make my '96 a 4WD, what all would I need to transfer over? Any help and suggestions are much appreciated. Thanks!
Seasoned Member
from what I've read, converting 4x2 to 4x4 in an XJ is easier to swap tranny and t-case. Other wise, you have to tear down the tranny to swap tailhousing and rear outputs.
Now, combine this with the fact that you have a Renix 4.0L (1990) and an HO (1996) engine...the input splines on the t-cases are differnet, 21-spline compared to 23-spline. That is one more reason to swpa tranny and t-case.
So will a 96 (OBDII) engine accept a REnix tranny? Good question, I'd search NAXJA for the "everything you want to know about the AW4" thread. I think you'll have to drop the tranny oil pan and swap the solenoid harnesses. Then on the t-case, you'll have a cable actuatted speedo cable that will do you no good, and some vacuum fittings for 1990 front axle disconnect that you won't need.
Inside, you'll have to cut a hole for the t-case linkage, jsust copy the donor vehicle and swap over shifter, shiftermount. The different interiors might require you to get creative with the t-case lever and bezel, etc.
I won't pretend to know how to hook up the dashboard 4x4 light, I think it comes off the Renix t-case though, not sure on the later models.
Oh, and front axle will swap right in. Do the budget disco-elimination mod, connect the driveshaft. If the 96 doesnt have ABS, you'll be golden, if you do it might be difficult to get it to work...I wouldnt mess with it. No matter what, the front brakes are probably different, but the rubber flex lines should work, just remember what axle you're using when buying replacment pads.
Thats all I can think of now, I wonder what I left out
Now, combine this with the fact that you have a Renix 4.0L (1990) and an HO (1996) engine...the input splines on the t-cases are differnet, 21-spline compared to 23-spline. That is one more reason to swpa tranny and t-case.
So will a 96 (OBDII) engine accept a REnix tranny? Good question, I'd search NAXJA for the "everything you want to know about the AW4" thread. I think you'll have to drop the tranny oil pan and swap the solenoid harnesses. Then on the t-case, you'll have a cable actuatted speedo cable that will do you no good, and some vacuum fittings for 1990 front axle disconnect that you won't need.
Inside, you'll have to cut a hole for the t-case linkage, jsust copy the donor vehicle and swap over shifter, shiftermount. The different interiors might require you to get creative with the t-case lever and bezel, etc.
I won't pretend to know how to hook up the dashboard 4x4 light, I think it comes off the Renix t-case though, not sure on the later models.
Oh, and front axle will swap right in. Do the budget disco-elimination mod, connect the driveshaft. If the 96 doesnt have ABS, you'll be golden, if you do it might be difficult to get it to work...I wouldnt mess with it. No matter what, the front brakes are probably different, but the rubber flex lines should work, just remember what axle you're using when buying replacment pads.
Thats all I can think of now, I wonder what I left out
Senior Member
Just did mine this weekend don't plan on it being a quick job a piece of advice over prepare
Thanks for the input. I'm in a predicament because the motor in the '90 is toast, but everything else on it is solid. The motor in the '96 is strong as hell, but the rest of it is pretty worn down. Would it just be easier to swap the motor from the '96 to the '90?
CF Veteran
I would just swap the 96 motor into the 90 and use all the 90 accessories and what not. Major pain to mix too much renix and HO stuff.