I have read some of the older posts from long ago and had some questions so I thought I would start a new thread.

I have recently picked up a 2001 xj with low miles, perfectly straight and perfect interior for next to nothing. Only draw back is is 2wd. My friend has a non running 1996 zj 4wd I can get for cheap. Has the front axle, transmission, transfer case, computer (read somewhere that is needed as well), and all necessary linkage.

My first question: is a 96 zj compatible for the swap? From what I have read I will have to confirm the gear ratio is the same (or re-gear). And the drive shaft from the zj are to long to swap in?

Anything else I need to consider? Or am missing?

 

you'd be far better off finding actual XJ parts to complete your 4wd swap. They are plentiful and cheap - no sense in going the long road of and uncommon swap if you ask me. ZJ d30's are Low pinion if im not wrong, the trans is also not as reliable as the AW4 found in the Xj's

 

Transmission is different and the transfer case is either a NP249 or NP242, an NP231 is what you want.

 

Thank you everyone for the responses. I will hold out for a 1998-2001 XJ for the doner rig. I do plan on grabbing the steering and linkage out of the ZJ for the upgrade. Any other parts I should grab?

I am hoping to find a doner with the 3.73 gear ratio. but as long as its a high pinion I will settle for 3.54s. I only plan on doing a 3" with 31s.

Anything else I should plan on doing while doing the conversion? Sounds like I should not need the SYE for that lift. I plan on using the rustys 3" advanced kit with the adjustable control arms and sway bar quick disconnects. while I have everything apart. Below are my notes so far.

• 1998-2001 XJ doner, Will need:
o Transmission
o Transfer case
o Front axle with same gear ratio
o Drive lines (front and rear)
o 4WD Linkage and shifter (wire harness for lighting)

• Transfer case: NP 231 is the best

• Axle notes:
o High pinion out of a XJ
o ZJs are all low pinon but to use 3.73.
o U joint not CV preferable

• V8 ZJ steering and linkage is an upgrade for the XJ

 

side note - if your set on finding 3.73's in an xj then your gonna come up empty handed. The XJ didn't come with 3.73's on any application. Jeep XJ's typically go as follows (4cyl engine, 4wd, manual trans - 4.10 gears. 6 cyl engine, 4wd, auto trans - 3.55 gears. 6cyl engine 4wd, manual trans - 3.07 gears)

another thing to look into is the boostwerks engineering shift linkage. It simplifies the tcase shift linkage and you also won't need the trans tunnel mount like whats used with the factory setup. It can be viewed as a little pricey but it sure is worth it!

https://www.boostwerksengineering.co...-V20_p_25.html

 

Rear disc brakes would be nice to have. Seats?

 

Wow, I guess I crossed my wires somewhere. I thought I ready I could find the 3.73's. But thank you for the info. It will really depend what I end up finding I guess. I did learn that I currently have the less favorable D35. So I am hoping I can atleast find a doner with the 8.25, if so I may just buy new gears front and rear and be done with it. I will have a look at the boostwerks kit! Thank you for that.