4WD, Auto, 4.0 swap..complete change

[MichiganDuck]

Alright, I'm getting an 87 MJ that is a 4cyl/5sp/2wd... I want the exact opposite 4.0HO/Auto/4wd and i will be doing the swap.

I pretty much have an open jeep parts yard, and the parts are out of 50 different XJ's/and a few Wranglers...

Basically, what are the EASIEST parts to do this swap? Like, years/models/codes/whatever. I have a huge selection, but not one single donor vehicle. :dunno:

 

Thoughts? Info?

THANKS!!!

[flint54]

Please forgive me if this comes across as unhelpful (or worse), but, unless you've got

an abundance of time, and a big thirst for the large project, it may be far simpler to

just find the truck you prefer to have. I think there are still enough to choose from that

meet your criteria.

[MichiganDuck]

is it really going to be that hard of a project? I mean, I'm basically throwing in items that were available stock to the truck?

[jimoshel]

It can be done. If you can devote 8-10 hours a day you can probably finish in a week, 10 days. Every part you mentioned can be swapped. Biggest problem will be rear drive shaft. Only a MJ drive shaft will fit and they come in 2 sizes. SWB and LWB. A XJ drive shaft can be cut and welded to fit. Think of it as a learning experience. Must agree with PP. Might be easier to find the vehicle you want and sell or swap yours.

[Geonovast]

Easiest way to deal with the rear driveshaft is to have your 2wd one cut down to the correct length. I paid $102 for mine, and it included the cut, balance, paint, and two new spicer U-joints installed.

 

It's going to be a pain to get all of the parts separately. If you can find yourself a junked XJ that has a 4.0/auto/4wd, and just get the whole truck, it will make your job 1000% easier.

[MichiganDuck]

It's going to be a pain to get all of the parts separately. If you can find yourself a junked XJ that has a 4.0/auto/4wd, and just get the whole truck, it will make your job 1000% easier.

Why do you say that? I literally have a jeep graveyard of sorts with 50 or so XJ's parted out -properly- in it.

[ParadiseMJ]

It can be done. If you can devote 8-10 hours a day you can probably finish in a week, 10 days.

.

 

Finding the parts in a junkyard is the easy part. Putting in the work is the hard part.

 

Hopefully you have a fully equipped shop and not a gravel driveway >>(like me).

[MichiganDuck]

Part of my family owns a full autobody shop/custom shop.... Lift in the building next door that is rented out to...lol...another part of my family.

 

Like i said, I'm not too worried... i just need a direction for what parts to obtain!!!

[richasco]

Sounds like you have your choice of donors, I would go for a mid-nineties XJ. In addition to the obvious parts, you will need to grab the radiator, frame brackets for the engine and the trans crossmember. Your biggest issues aside from a rear drive-shaft will be broken bolts, welding new perches on the rear axle and a fuel pump.