Already own a ‘99 4WD but have a chance to purchase a nice ‘99 2WD drive.

In today’s market, what would it cost to convert the 2WD to 4? I’d do the labor myself.

 

It would depend on what your able to pickup all the majot components for. D30 front axle, driveshaft, aw4 4wd trans, 231/242 tcase, rear drivehsaft, floor shifter.

Most prefer to buy a donor vehicle to source all the pieces and parts in one lump vs individually.

For arguments sake whats a "beater" or rusted out Cherokee around you cost?

 

Oh yeah, that makes sense.

I’ve seen beaters listed for as cheap as $500, but I doubt there’s any life left in those components.

Probably $1k-$1.5k for something that hasn’t just been totally trashed.

 

I try to avoid anything thats been lifted at the minimum when sourcing a parts donor. Typically if its still stock appearing and doesnt look like its been someones mud field bomber then ive been fine.

Best offer luck for your sourcing!

 

It's always going to come down to what deals you get. My XJ started as an auto 2wd, I 4x4 swapped it, and now I've manual swapped it.

Lots of people doing drivetrain swaps in all sorts of cars will buy a donor, take what they need, and part out the rest to either break even or come out ahead. The biggest issue for me is trusting the quality of parts you are installing, most importantly the transmission as it's the most expensive part and the biggest pain of the swap. I sold a 4x4 AW4 after my manual swap for $250 based on undercutting local listings and it took a few days to sell. My old junkyard only wanted $90 for transfer cases, my new one wants $130. Dana 30s are easy to come by, and you'll need driveshafts and the shifter linkage.

If you've already got a 4wd and this Jeep is in good condition that you want to add to the fleet, I'd consider leaving it 2wd. I love my 4x4 but I wouldn't mind having another XJ that was basically just a station wagon with a Jeep label. Better ride, better road handling, and better fuel economy, in an all around great package.

If you just want to resell it for a profit (vs a fun project) and don't know how much it would cost or already have some of these parts on hand, I wouldn't recommend it.

 

I just picked up a '98 4WD and would rather it be 2WD. I'm in Washington State, where are you located?

 

TN. The Jeep sold before I moved on it anyway..

 

I wish you good luck in your quest.