What parts are needed for a 2WD to 4x4 swap?
 

I recently purchased a 1998 Jeep Cherokee 2 door. I wanted a XJ forever but it's nearly impossible to find the 2 door models anywhere within 500 miles of me so when I found this one I jumped on it!

The downfall is that it is 2WD but for $2500 being that it is in PRISTINE condition (literally there isn't a single scratch or dent anywhere on it!) I can't complain. I figured since I'm a good mechanic I'll just turn it into a 4x4 myself. I have done all sorts of motor swaps, automatic to manual conversions, etc. so this shouldn't be rocket science.

So, I know it's going to cost me a bit but I don't care about cost. More importantly what I want to know from someone who has done this is what all will I need?

It's obvious I'll need a new transmission (I'm assuming it has to be from a 4x4 model) but what else do I need to go with it? Also, is their a precut hole in the floorpan for the 4x4 selector handle?

And lastly, I did a search on here for '4x4 conversion' but I couldn't find anything definitive. I'm just looking for someone to provide me with a 'list' of all the parts I'll need to source out. I can do all the rest of the work myself without any problem.

Thanks!

transfer case, front axle, front and rear driveshaft, not too sure what else im sure someone else will pop in with more information.

I just did this to my Comanche, all you need is front axle same gears as the rear, 4x4 trans and t case, front/rear driveshaft, all the linkage and brackets for the trasfercase shifter. The speedo cable will prob be to short so a new one if that bothers you. That's about it, I did use the flexplate and tq converter from the 2wheel drive trans cause I knew they were good and not cracked, just a heads up if u find a trans with no tq the 2wd one works good luck.

Sounds simple enough to me! Thanks a million!

SO jealous. I have the same one but a 4 door....I wish it was a 2 door but mines also a 4x4 ;) so ha

I guess its a trade off. You have the 4x4 and I have the 2 door =]

I will say this, those back doors on the 4 door are useless. I'm a bigger guy and I tried getting in the back seat and I litetally couldnt even fit in the door!

I completely agree! I'm not fat but I'm 6'2 and yeah getting in those doors = impossible. haha

This is what I started with V
http://hphotos-sjc1.fbcdn.net/hphoto..._1600564_n.jpg

And this is my jeep now Vs my dads f250 (w/ plow package)
3.5 on 31's is a good DD vs weekend warrior combo VV
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphot...70013868_n.jpg

Good luck and welcome to your new addiction! :grin:

Your Jeep looks sweet! The same as mine but a 4 door! I like the color a lot.

Those back doors are made for kids or something. The one thing I like about my 2 door is that the front doors are much bigger so it's easier to get in and out of.

I'm going to have fun with this thing. I've wanted an XJ forever!

Oh I forgot to ask... How do I know what gears my Jeep has so I can get a matching front axle?

Here's my build thread, I just started it yesterday or so:
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f46/pr...ey-pit-114586/

Really. Trust me. Start your thread now, it'll be easier in the long run for ya. :thumbup1:

here i wrote this up a while ago

Next time your changing your front diffs fluid, look on the side of the ring gear facing you. There will be some numbers these are what gear ratio your axles are. The numbers your going to see are (ex. 43-14) these are the numbers of teeth on each gear.


(3.07 ratio) 43-14 TEETH,
(3.54 ratio) 39-11 TEETH,
(3.73 ratio) 41-11 TEETH,
(4.10 ratio) 41-10 TEETH,
(4.56 ratio) 41-9 TEETH,
(4.88 ratio) 39-8 TEETH

if you have anymore questions just message me ill do my best to help you threw the swap.