Ok so my 94 is a 2WD with stock motor and tranny for now. What year models can i use to piece together the conversion? There is a front D30 from a 99 on CL for $200 rotor to rotor and he'll give me both drive shafts so i would only need the trans with a transfer case. So what all years can i use with my 94 to make it 4WD? Like a compatibility list or something

 

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970 - info on trans compatibility

And 91-96 tcases, IIRC. I forget when they changed the input shaft lengths on them

 

Thanks for that!!! Now the only remaining thing is the front axle situation. Its on a 99 and i have a 94. I have to pull it myself if i decide to get it, but is it a direct fit? Say i take everything off after the steering box, so pitman arm down. Including the LCA's and UCA's and anything else like that?

 

Axles are identical, well except 96 or 97+ use bigger ujoints which is a good thing. Ive had an 88 and 98 axle in my 95 during my 4x4 conversion episode. All are bolt in

 

check gearing.

 

The gearing is the same 3.55 thats in my 8.25. I6 AW4 Sport 2WD Non towing. I just needed to make sure that the 99 would fit directly into my 94, but since it looks like it will, im going to probably go get the front axle and driveshafts and start looking for a tranny, cause the ones one CL are pretty bad. Whats the best option for finding a good used one? I could get one worked on and checked out but im sure it would be really really expensive and i would prefer to have it installed as well but i dont want to sell my soul to have it done.

 

you want a front axle out of a 1992-1999 XJ - the Dana 30 without the vacuum disconnect, and the one that's high-pinion, reverse cut.

You'll also need a transfer case, front AND rear driveshaft, as well as either a tranny out of a 4x4 XJ, or the ********* to take yours apart and swap the tailshaft. Additionally all the linkage.

Best course of action - find a 4x4 parts XJ to buy and steal the parts from

 

Best method to go about doing this is to buy a parts vehicle. Its the cheapest way because you can sell/scrap what you dont need.

Actually if you in MI, I have enough extra stuff from past part jeeps to do a 4x4 conversion. I'm really trying to get rid of it all

 

Sorry im down in GA. But it looks like im gonna go pick up the front axle and drive shafts next Saturday. Do i need to get all the shocks, Control Arms, sway bar, and steering stuff of will my 2WD stuff work? Also, with the brakes, can i use my rotors and calipers instead of what is on the other axle? Cause my rotors just got turned and i have pretty new pads up front. Is it literally just a pull out all the old and put in everything from the 99? Like shocks and springs

 

Everything is the same, even the wheel bearings. But i do believe they changed rotor types in 99 mid year but you want to use yours so it doesnt matter. Worst comes to worst you have to swap your wheel bearings to match your rotors

 

side question: if the conversion is done in phases to a DD would it be possible to DD a d30 in the front with the 2wd trans still in place (no front drive shaft attached), or would this cause damage

 

It should be fine just check all the steering components

 

Ok i got quoted $700 for everything i need at a JY on Saturday. Includes Front axle, both drive shafts, Tranny and T case. Im looking to spend at most 550 so clearly 700 is too much. I would buy the whole thing for 700 but not just that stuff but heres the question- How hard is it to change transmissions? i would be getting one from a 96 so it'll fit but idk anything about transmissions and dont want to mess with it. I would prefer to have a shop do it but i know they would want way to much. I'd love to do this but i dont think my grandpa, who always helps me, would want to do this cause "it would be a waste of money" so what the best course of action?

 

hmmm IMHO, unless you've put extensive modifications into the body of your rig, or it's in especially fantastic shape, it's probably cheaper to sell the XJ you have and find one for sale that's 4x4 if you're not comfortable doing the work yourself. This swap will be quite extensive, although not that difficult - just a LOT to do to.

 

Well my parents wouldnt let me do that because then i wouldnt have a means of transportation for however long and also it wouldnt cover the cost a new one, regardless of where i could get one. They are really cheap and never help/ pay for anything. Yes, im 17 live at home, work 30 hours a week, go to high school, try to finish my eagle scout, and do several things at church, pay for everything i do (gas, insurance, food...) if i get good money from my tax return and insurance check i could buy a new one but i need to save my money.