I have researched this a lot. I have a 94 plain jane 2wd cherokee. 4.0 auto trans. Will a 1997 4wd work ok for a donor? I wasn't sure what years would be the best donor for my 94. Thanks, Steve

 

if you researched you would know that a 1997+ jeep has different drivetrain than your jeep and unless you want to swap everything over which would be very difficult you need a tranny and tcase from a 1996-prior xj along with front axle, driveshafts, 4x4 linkage

only thing usable from that 1997 is the axles and driveshafts

 

Thanks, I just couldn't seem to find a clear answer on the years that would work together.

 

You're saying he'd have to swap everything (minus the engine -- no need to swap that) over from the '97+ to his, but he would have to swap everything (minus the engine) over from any engine... Not sure what you're getting at.

I'm not an expert, I've just read up on the swap because I'm considering doing it... But can you explain what you mean?

 

I was going to ask exactly what he meant by everything? Does it have to do with electronics and wiring?

 

My understanding is there is only one thing that needs to be wired, and that is the light on the dash telling you when your in 4WD.
You have to swap the 4WD AW4, transfer case, front axle, linkage, and driveshafts. Again, as far as I know any year will do. There maybe different transfer cases throughout the years though. If you are wanting to do this as cheap as possible, you will want to get a front axle with matching gear ratios to what is in your rear axle.

 

Some mention lengthening the wiring harness to reach, along with same year group...

http://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/f8...nversion-6889/

Post #9, again with the same year grouping.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1061615

 

The pre 97 cherokee trans wiring is different. You need to find a donor in the same year bracket. I converted to 4WD for my '01. I researched a **** ton. You'd be surprised how different the "same" parts are through the years.

 

Or see if you can find a nice 4x4 one with a blown engine and swap yours in it.

 

thank you this is what i meant and pre-97 xjs used different input shafts on tcases for some stupid reason

 

AFAIK the only difference in the 97 transmission is wiring, but you can easily modify it to work with previous years.

1990.5-1996, the AW4 switched to a 23 spline output shaft and a 0.75:1 OD ratio. It was no longer available behind the 2.5L engine. Otherwise, it remained exactly the same.
1997, the AW4 is exactly the same as the 1990.5-1996 units, except the electrical connector for the wiring harness changed. A simple cut and splice will solve this problem.

The output shaft on a 2wd aw4 is 27 splines, just like the output on a 231. The output on a 4wd aw4 is 23 splines, just like the input of a 231.

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970

 

That's a good thread. For my specific conversion it was way easier to get stuff from same year group. For the OP, he may be able to use the 97 drive train in his 94.

 

He can.. no questions asked. Unless I'm missing something? Speedo sensor the same on all XJs? Isn't it on the t-case?

 

Yep, speed sensor on t-case. I had to extend my 2wd wiring harness about 6" for it to reach but that was simple.

 

I would say if your going to go though the trouble look in to a V8 LS chevy motor and drive train there is a company that sells motor mounts to do just that not complicated if you have experience in swaps? Up to you but to add a LT motor will be to high needs to be a LS also depends on what you plan on doing with it?