So I'm mapping out the plans for my next project. It's going to be a full build. Full long arm lift 6-8" or so to fit 37's+. Swapping axles to at least D44/9" if not tons. Probably swapping out the POS Peugeot transmission and certainly going with an Atlas. So really, everything is coming out and being replaced. Probably even rebuilding the engine. This will be a trail rig. Driveable to the local trails but nowhere near daily driver status.

I have a chance to pick up a dirt cheap donor in the kind of shape one would start a build from. But it's 2WD. Normally, people say "just get a 4WD". But that's if you are staying mostly stock. And I'm not going to be anywhere close to stock on anything that matters.

Is there anything about a 2WD that would make life difficult for me?

 

Nope. Go for it. The 2wd and 4wd models are the same platform. Even if you were staying stock converting would be a bolt in. For example...front axle is a full axle just like 4wd except it is a dummy with no center section or axle shafts. Hole in floor for transfer case shifter is there except it is covered with a block off plate. Etc, etc. Center console even has a little removable coin tray to cover the hole where the tcase shifter would go. I have a project i am getting ready to start (one ton axles, etc) and I came across a 2wd that was rust free. It was a no brainer for me.

 

Usually 2wd jeeps are cheaper than 4wd, and in better condition. Do it! You will be getting rid of pretty much everything except the engine anyway.

 

Thanks. I figured out the answer to my question after I posted it.

I picked up the 2wd MJ this last weekend. It's an 87 with the Renix 4.0. It has the Peugeot trans that I want to get rid of. It's the Peugeot which is bad enough but it's 2wd. I have a line on a complete donor HO 4.0/AW4/NP231 with the full wiring harness and computers from a wrecked 98 XJ. I figure it would probably be easier just to swap in everything at once since it was running and driving when it got crunched. I'm friends with the couple and know exactly what happened in the wreck so I know the drivetrain is in good shape. It was the rest of the XJ that took the hit.

I'll probably go with an Atlas instead of the 231 but it'll be nice to have an easy to swap in automatic.

 

Will be cool to see you build yet another cool Jeep.

It will be a mini-me to trucknorris!

OH!
And PLEASE detail the Atlas swap too.

 

I'm thinking of naming it Aaron, after Chuck Norris' kid brother.