2wd XJ to 4wd XJ

NotSoPC · Dec 17, 2009

My girl drives a 99 2wd XJ and said today she would like for me to make it 4wd. I have alot of parts for this kinda thing, but never done it. Would the auto trans she has work? Anything I would not see coming until I start? How long would it take to do this? It is her DD so I would have to get it done fast cause she would be driving my truck while work on it.:awesomework:

N-B_wheeler · Dec 17, 2009

If you got a welder saws and some leafs and a spar axle leaf it hook the steering up and send her on her way I mean it will take a hole day and be a grunt but do that then worry about the droping in a t case and drive line later atleast after all that you will be preaty set for the four wheel drive set up just gunna be time or easier go but her a four wheel drve one and make it look the same and sell the old one or scrap it worth bout he same

jprcrpr94 · Dec 17, 2009

Sell the 2wd and get a 4wd. WAY easier.

boardbysled · Dec 17, 2009

N-B_wheeler said:
If you got a welder saws and some leafs and a spar axle leaf it hook the steering up and send her on her way I mean it will take a hole day and be a grunt but do that then worry about the droping in a t case and drive line later atleast after all that you will be preaty set for the four wheel drive set up just gunna be time or easier go but her a four wheel drve one and make it look the same and sell the old one or scrap it worth bout he same

Why would ya leaf spring a DD xj? Sure some crazy people do it

flipoff

I believe they use the same front suspension as 4wd xj's. So, you can bolt in a dana 30 out of a similar year XJ.

N-B_wheeler · Dec 17, 2009

Why would a 2wheel drive have a straight axle under it already how could it be same susspintion from what I know xj got a three or four link type of set up on the four wheel drive so ya sell the pos and get a four wheel drive one or leaf it and wheel it be Fun

N-B_wheeler · Dec 17, 2009

Why would a 2wheel drive have a straight axle under it already how could it be same susspintion from what I know xj got a four link type of set up on the four wheel drive so ya sell the pos and get a four wheel drive one or leaf it and wheel it be Fun

boardbysled · Dec 17, 2009

N-B_wheeler said:
Why would a 2wheel drive have a straight axle under it already how could it be same susspintion from what I know xj got a three or four link type of set up on the four wheel drive so ya sell the pos and get a four wheel drive one or leaf it and wheel it be Fun

The 2wd Cherokee's have a straight axle without the diff. It uses all the same parts as a 4wd, just doesnt have axle shafts or a diff, just a straight piece of tube. It also uses the same 4 link suspension setup, so a 4wd axle would bolt right in. Or, you could make it a huge project like some people (MarcW:flipoff

to put leafs under the front.

Flat-Bed_3rd_Gen · Dec 17, 2009

ya just get a front dana 30 and a stock 4wd t-case. unbolt front axle and install new axle. install t-case (may have to take extension housing off of trans, but not positive) get 4wd drivelines and bam!!! you have a 4wd xj

also dont forget the interior pieces like shifter linkages and boots

MarcW · Dec 17, 2009

yep. Bolt in swap when using stock components. very easy. match your rearend gear. you will need a front driveline, rear drivling, shift linkage components, a 4wd transmission, T case, rear driveline, and possibly a different X-member. Call Jon at auburn car repair. He has actually done this swap AFAIK. cherokee's are super easy to work on.also cheap parts.

MarcW · Dec 17, 2009

im not 100 percent sure if the 2wd trannys can be used or not. I see 4x4 AW4's go for 150 bucks or less all the time though. everything is cheap on these little buggers.

NotMatt · Dec 17, 2009

The front suspension is the same, the axle bolts in in place of the stock 2wd tube axle. The holes are already there in the floor for the 4wd shifter. Find a D30 that matches your rear gears, a front driveline, a t-case, shift linkage... and MAYBE a 4wd AW4... it will be a bolt-in setup.

I am not sure about whether you can use the 2wd AW4 or not, I think the tail cone comes off but you would still need to swap the long 2wd output shaft for the shorter 4wd one (or just swap the whole tranny out).

Maybe someone who has done this swap with an AW4 can chime in.

xraidedj did this conversion on his 2wd comanche, but he swapped the 2wd Peugeot tranny his rig had in it for a 4wd AW4 at the same time.

timothy · Dec 17, 2009

Fyi

If, needed I do have A stock D30 ( 04 TJ ), NO axles, & no knuckles. IF your interested $50.

MarcW · Dec 17, 2009

NotMatt said:
Maybe someone who has done this swap with an AW4 can chime in.

There an echo in here? :haha:

nate8887 · Dec 17, 2009

Nutter has a dana 30 front with 44 stuff on it or in it or whatever those cherokee guys do.

he also has a matching 44 rear PM him or I can call him and give him your number.

gas is on the right · Dec 17, 2009

N-B_wheeler said:
Why would a 2wheel drive have a straight axle under it already how could it be same susspintion from what I know xj got a four link type of set up on the four wheel drive so ya sell the pos and get a four wheel drive one or leaf it and wheel it be Fun

do some research before you talk like you know what your talking about:awesomework:................because you sound like a dumb ****

Ed Bister · Dec 17, 2009

gas is on the right said:
do some research before you talk like you know what your talking about:awesomework:................because you sound like a dumb ****

Ouch......:corn::hi:

Avanteone · Dec 17, 2009

I have done this MANY times.

Easiest way is to find a wrecked, blowed up, or otherwise cheap 4wd donor rig so you can get everything you need. Other than that, finding a wrecking yard with late model XJ's isn't too hard.

You will need '97+ 4wd AW4 transmission and transfer case. Although earlier transfer cases can be used, getting the one from the same donor as trans. ensures you get the correct spline count, input length, etc. You will also need all of the shift linkage parts, including what's bolted to the transmission AND the one bolted to the under side of the body, under the carpet. You will want the t-case shifter, console trim piece, and shift bezel for t-case from donor as well.

Front axles are interchangable. Suspension, steering, etc. are all identical between 2wd and 4wd. Obviously you will need front and rear driveshafts as well. You will want a donor from any '91+ auto tranmission rig, to ensure the same 3.54 gear ratio. If your rig has a D35, it means it also has ABS. If you wish to keep your ABS functional, you will need a late model ABS front axle. If you have the 8.25 rear axle, it means you have no ABS and makes life easier.

Only thing not addressed is making the 4wd shift light in the dash work, but I've never worried about it, and that involves getting the donor wiring harness, PCM, etc.

I think that should cover it. Feel free to ask any more questions. I've converted 6 or 7 of these, two of 'em being late model ('97+) body style. My current '96 shop rig is a former 2wd rig also.

John

MarcW · Dec 18, 2009

Avanteone said:
I have done this MANY times.

John

There he is :awesomework:

NotSoPC · Dec 18, 2009

Ya I looked under the rig way back when she got it and asked her why the hell she got a 2wd.:eeek: But she liked it. She wants a 4wd now but wants to keep the XJ she has. I was hoping it would be a 2 day swap with the parts I have (all the drive stuff from two XJ's) but none of it is as new as hers (90 & 86). I think I will just tell her too bad and to get another rig that is 4wd to start with. Fix the power steering and sell the damn thing. I think its time for her to get a 4Runner.:awesomework:

Thanx to all:beer: