i was kind of messing around thinking about that a while back and all the research i did said it was something to be weary of. are there any build threads on here of that? because i saw a build with a 4x4 conversion of a grand Cherokee but never seen one with a XJ.

when i think about it all I should need is a transfer case, front and rear drive shafts, front axle, and probably steering from an awd jeep. but then again i really dont know what kind of mounting differences and compatability issues there are, and i dont really need 4x4 because I'm not going to be doing any extreme wheeling. but i do want my jeep to look good and keep up with my rich friends and there trucks.

 

Remove 2wd transmission tailcone. replace with 4wd one.
add transfercase and tcase shifter linkage
4wd front axle
front and rear driveshafts

your steering will work fine.

 

I think a streetable locker or lsd will be needed, a real good set of tires matched to what you wish to do, a small lift also no need for armor waste of money,recovery points, maybe a small portable winch,and off road tools for recovery.And dont forget to make sure it runs right also.

 

ok, now i have a good idea of what all ill need (not doin the 4x4 conversion), so now im looking for ideas on specific parts, like certain brand's lift kits of tires,whats the best deal right now, i saw on rusty's a 3" lift with rims and 31's for just over $1000, anybody have experience with that? and what are a few good ways to get a bit more power from my jeep. i saw a post like 2 days ago about a 63mm throttle body that im defiantly going to get, so im just wondering what some other good little addons would helpful.

 

Output shaft will need to be replaced too, which entails tearing apart the entire tranny.... The 2wd tranny is longer then the 4wd trany. but change the cone and outpus shaft and your golden.

I havent heard much from rusty's although some has been good and some has been bad, but depending on your budget and size of your wallet Old man Emu has the best street friendly lift out there but is very pricy. Rough Country is really good and fairly cheap too. Rubicon Express is good but more on the expensive side. Just remember. You get what you paid for. Thats true for all lift kits. FYI.

But the Rusty's kit sounds pretty good, but what kind of tires are they? I personally think for a 2wd you need something a little more then all terrains. I have bfg at's i dont think they're suitable. I would try getting the new BFG m/t KM'2 i have heard nothing but good thing about those tires. might be a little more pricier, but worth it.

If you want more power, open up the system. Better intake and exhaust. the bigger throttle body will help tremndously. also getting another type of fuel injectors helps with milage. not sure what kind tho...

 

unfortunately price is the number one factor so I think im limited to something from rustys or RC for the lift, i'm curious as to what kind of a advantage the RC series II lift has over the cheaper Aal kits, because the control arms aren't long arms or anything, just different (please correct me if im not getting that right). and i remember reading something on new injectors, and i thought they said grab some from an old 5.0L mustang, does that sound right? as far as tires the combo from rustys has 31X10.50 R15 Dick Cepek FC I, those any good?

 

AAL kits will sag over time, just like the stock ones. if at all possible go with new leave packs or build your own bastard pack. That will avoid putting money into something hat will sag shortly thereafter.

I also heard injectors from a neon would work?? i'm not sure tho. i remember reading a thread on here all about injectors. You might want to try searching around a bit for it. it had a lot of good info in to.

As for the tires, its a hellave a good price for a lift kit and tires and rims. So i would hit that up, Cuz at $174 a tire, plus rims which are $48 a pop, then 4 center caps at $4 a pop. then lug nuts for however much they are. Right there its over $900 that doesnt include the kit if you get the AAL. But like i said i would just get the one with the full new packs. you'll be much happier if you can afford it

 

TWO wheel drivers, this guy is parting out a '97 2wd check it out.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/4-0...x2/#post588765

 

Im sorry but I wouldnt waste my time or money buildind an off road 2wd unless it was a dessert runer or something fast.. 'People say I got a 2wd and I never get stuck', well neither would I if I hit everything at 40.. I would rather have a stock 4x4 than a lifted 2wd. It woulnt be much money to convert and really wouldnt take a whole lot of mechanical skill. If you do end up buildin a 2wd you will regret it and your friends will get sick of pullin you out. Do the right thing and convert. You can buy an old cherokee that dosent run with everything you need in the low hundreds. I know were you are comin from you want it to be big n flashy as fast as possible.. We all do, but take your time and do the extra work and it'll pay off big time. Then you will not only have a super low mile xj you will have a super low mile 4x4 xj. Just think about it thats all, pepole say life is short but you have plenty of time to build.

 

hahaha, come on don't be critical, let them play with their rigs, they have the right to have a thread like this and not be bashed from us 4WDers. It's always a cherokee and this is cherokee forum.

 

I know I ment no harm, I wasnt trying to be an ***. Just trying to convert another 1 to the darkside thats all haha. You know what I said is true, cmon.

 

Yeah i said what i would do in post number 3, but that's not the point, the point is if they find a way to be happy with a 2WD Jeep we should leave them go.

 

i would've bought a 2x4 if i could've found one. i have no need for 4x4

 

Ive never seen jeep, happy and 2wd in the same sentense.. but I'll try haha. I was just sharing what I would do, and think nothing more nothing less. Unless I am mistaking thats what he asked for. And I'm not shooting from the hip telling someone who wants to make it a lowrider not to, clearly he wants a 4x4 so I advised him to the best route he can go in his current circumstances.

 

There is nothing wrong with building up a 2WD. You can always convert it later.

As far as it not being a big cost? If only...

Best way is to get a doner vehicle. If not you will be nickel and dimed to death.


The nice thing about 2WD is they are generally much cheaper. You could get a 2WD for $1000 and the same thing in 4WD would cost $2000... just because it is 4WD it adds a lot to the price. Also if it was 4WD there is more of a chance that it was abused off road.