Soo. Question.
Is it worth it to do a 4x4 conversion?
Background.
2001 4.0l 2x4 103k mile xj. Completely unmolested.
Driven by an elderly woman, has receipts that date back to 2003 for what I can account for every service ever done to it. $3.6k at an estate sale. Myself being mechanically inclined, I have never done such fab, would This be easy enough to accomplish by ones self or take it to a shop ?

 

I would never do a 4x4 conversion on something that came 4x4 as a option.With the 01 it has a head that can crack and has a funky front exhaust on it.To do a high pinion dana 30 front will take a lift to clear the exhaust.I would sell it and buy a 91-99 4x4 xj but thats just me.

 

You would need to replace the transmission with one from a 4wd. That, along with the t-case, front axle, and both driveshafts could get expensive quick.

If you have a parts vehicle handy then it's not impossible, but many would say it's not worth it.

 

On something like a mj that hard to find 4x4 now i would do the swap.Look around see if you can find a 4x4 xj at a good price.Or find a 00-01 that needs a motor and use yours its less work then swapping over everything it takes to go 4x4.

 

Just find one that Is already 4wd

 

This would be the easiest way to go for sure. But if its that nice with low miles do a really good detail job on it and sell it, then buy a 4x4.

 

Not easily.

On earlier models, it would be easier. The trouble with 2000+ is that you'll need a front axle from a 2000+ (or a Jeep TJ). Transmission will need to be 1999 or newer. If you can find a 2000+ XJ for cheap, say one that was rolled over or something, you could do it. The nice part about XJs is that since they're mostly 4WD, the 2WD models are just 'dumbed down'. Front axles are interchangeable - there's nothing silly like control arms or other suspension parts to change, just the driveline.

But whether it's worth it or not is up to you. Some people will say yes, if you're emotionally invested in it or you want a 4x4 daily driver. Other people will say leave it for the street and find a 4x4 you can beat up on.

 

Doing the conversation is easy. Finding and paying for the required parts is the hard part. If it were me I would just drive it as is and enjoy it for what it is. You can still have fun in a 2wd.