I want to make my XJ 4x2 4x4 how should I do it?
04-06-2010, 12:45 AM
#2
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Year: 1992
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
by a complete 4x4 cherokee that was rolled or has blown motor. You will need to swap a ton of stuff.......tranny, tcase and front end are the majors
04-06-2010, 01:09 AM
#4
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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04-06-2010, 06:29 PM
#8
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Year: 2001
Engine: 4.0
I'm curious to see why you all think its so difficult? axle isnt much different. mounts in the same location. You need to replace the tranny which is a task but is done on a regular base. the most work is getting the tranny changed, t-case fitted, and the linkages set up. But in reality is it really that difficult? People drop their t-cases and trannies all the time. Whats so different? Your not converting a IFS to a SFA...
04-07-2010, 06:10 AM
#10
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Year: 1995
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L High Output
Seriously. i can't stand the whole "Just sell it and get a 4x4" thing. Almost invariably coming from a current 4x4 owner. It's like saying "Just sell your beloved XJ that has taken you god knows where, and given you some great times and memories and give up all the hard work and money you have already put into your vehicle and go buy some 4x4 with a totally unknown history" Ok, sorry, I have a 2WD and have just heard "just get a 4x4" too many times, lol. End rant.
I have been getting ready for a conversion for awhile now, and plan on doing it without a complete donor rig, although that may be the best option, especially one with a blown motor (that would drive the price down, and you could potentially get a lower miles truck)
The parts needed for the swap are:
4x4 Transmission (Your 2WD Crossmember will work fine)
Transfer case and it's linkage
Front driveshaft
Rear driveshaft (make sure you get one from a matching trans/rear axle combo)
Front axle assembly (make sure the gear ratio matches your rear axle)
Your 2WD TCM will work fine, and there is a metal plate under the console that can simply be unbolted and removed to make way for the transfer case shifter. The 2WD console will also work, it just has a plastic filler piece over the hole for the Tcase shfter. The 2WD front beam mounts EXACTLY the same as a 4x4 axle, so that's just a matter of removing the old and bolting in the new. Same for the trans/Tcase, bolt in. Many people have done this entire project in a weekend, some have even done it in a day. Having a couple good buddys who know how to turn a wrench will make things go alot faster and you'll likely be able to pay them in pizza and beer, not adding much to the overall cost of the swap.
My personal plan is to add an SYE to the Tcase before I install it, and use a front driveshaft in the rear with the SYE. That way I'll have it done before it goes in and my Jeep will only be decommissioned one time instead of two (to do the SYE later). It also allows me to only carry one type of spare driveshaft on the trail. It's also a good time to replace ball joints and such on the new front axle, while it's all out of the truck. Try to find access to air tools before actually diging in there and doing the swap, trust me, it will make EVERYTHING go faster and smoother. HTH!
I have been getting ready for a conversion for awhile now, and plan on doing it without a complete donor rig, although that may be the best option, especially one with a blown motor (that would drive the price down, and you could potentially get a lower miles truck)
The parts needed for the swap are:
4x4 Transmission (Your 2WD Crossmember will work fine)
Transfer case and it's linkage
Front driveshaft
Rear driveshaft (make sure you get one from a matching trans/rear axle combo)
Front axle assembly (make sure the gear ratio matches your rear axle)
Your 2WD TCM will work fine, and there is a metal plate under the console that can simply be unbolted and removed to make way for the transfer case shifter. The 2WD console will also work, it just has a plastic filler piece over the hole for the Tcase shfter. The 2WD front beam mounts EXACTLY the same as a 4x4 axle, so that's just a matter of removing the old and bolting in the new. Same for the trans/Tcase, bolt in. Many people have done this entire project in a weekend, some have even done it in a day. Having a couple good buddys who know how to turn a wrench will make things go alot faster and you'll likely be able to pay them in pizza and beer, not adding much to the overall cost of the swap.
My personal plan is to add an SYE to the Tcase before I install it, and use a front driveshaft in the rear with the SYE. That way I'll have it done before it goes in and my Jeep will only be decommissioned one time instead of two (to do the SYE later). It also allows me to only carry one type of spare driveshaft on the trail. It's also a good time to replace ball joints and such on the new front axle, while it's all out of the truck. Try to find access to air tools before actually diging in there and doing the swap, trust me, it will make EVERYTHING go faster and smoother. HTH!
I couldnt have said it better myself Funkle. 
04-08-2010, 10:20 AM
#12
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Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Seriously. i can't stand the whole "Just sell it and get a 4x4" thing. Almost invariably coming from a current 4x4 owner. It's like saying "Just sell your beloved XJ that has taken you god knows where, and given you some great times and memories and give up all the hard work and money you have already put into your vehicle and go buy some 4x4 with a totally unknown history" Ok, sorry, I have a 2WD and have just heard "just get a 4x4" too many times, lol. End rant.
Personally I would rather spend my weekend outdoors wheelin rather than wrenching in the garage or at the part store or wrecking yard trying to track down some part that no one has. I had a 2wd prerunner truck that I loved and had a lot of fun with. But when I decided to step up to 4x4 I wasnt about to convert it just because of the sentimental value. I bought my 4x4 XJ and I havent regretted it for one second.
04-08-2010, 10:33 AM
#13
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Year: 1994
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
my xj is a 2wd and i love it, and everything i've been through with it, i cant wait to go through the process of converting, not only will i be extremely proud of the job but its a memory and a learning process as well 
