Converting 2Wd To 4Wd

[Biotex]

I have decided to do the conversion and will just purchase an XJ complete. I'll swap my BA/10 5 for an AX15, and use the NP231. Would prefer a HP D35 w/o the axle disconnect. What years of XJ should I be searching for? Late 90's up to what? I don't know the cherokee line very well.

 

My tub and frame is about as rust free as I could ever hope to find, so by doing the conversion I will in a great truck for the money. 2wd is not an option for my needs.

[Pete M]

the Dana 35 is a rear axle. Dana 30 is the front.

 

what size tires are you looking to run in the end?

[Biotex]

the Dana 35 is a rear axle. Dana 30 is the front.

 

what size tires are you looking to run in the end?

 

Yes, I knew that but somehow got that typed in wrong. As for the tires, I have a dedicated crawler buggy, and an 06 Rubicon running 4" lift and 35's. This would be just an extra truck I can use to keep miles off my F250. Soooooo 32's most likely, 33's max. ( I only say 33's because I have a set of five new mud terrains) but lets say 32's for this conversation. From my experience, the HP D30 can handle those no problems especially with stronger shafts.

[Pete M]

what will you be doing about gearing?

[Biotex]

what will you be doing about gearing?

I won't know that answer until after I know for sure my tire size and what my intended use of this truck will be. If I had to guess, I would say 4.10's but to be honest, I don't want to open the proverbial can of worms that larger tires require, so that 32" tire size I mentiones in my last post could easily shrink... :yes:

 

I am building a rock buggy at the moment, and just installed an 8.8 in it. I really like that axle. Would be nice if they fit under the MJ's. Have to research that one!

[Biotex]

Been researching and see that the 94 up XJ is where they started using the external clutch slave, so that answeres my question as to what year is best. The XJ search begins...

[Pete M]

for a conversion you need:

AX-15 trans (94.5+ are external),

231 t-case (96+ are sealed rear output),

front driveshaft (anything 87+)

4wd shifting linkage (any year),

front axle (95+ are big-U-joint plus older ones if they have ABS ).

 

if you buy a whole AX-15 XJ, you'll be buying 3.07 gears. :(

also, now's the time to contemplate if the 242 t-case would be a better choice. :thumbsup:

[Biotex]

Pete,

Exactly the information I was looking for. My closest salvage yard is 210 miles away, so I don't have the luxury of just dropping by to get measurements. I will scout them for a 96 4wd next time I go. Might check the auctions also, as I have a friend who goes.

 

As for the gears, I know how to set them up, so no problem there. I do not know about the np-242 T.C. though. Care to educate me on that swap? What year/vehicle?

[Geonovast]

To add onto what Pete said...

 

When he said 87+ anything for the front driveshaft, I'm sure he meant to specify any XJ/MJ 4.0 with a 5 speed. 2.5 and automatic front shafts are not the correct length.

For the complete shift linkage, you need to get one from an AX-15.

 

Keep that in mind if you don't manage to snag an entire XJ.

[Pete M]

242 adds AWD ability to the mix (aka, driving on dry concrete, without blowing things up). found in any 87+ XJ that was ordered with it. look in the cab for an extra choice of "full-time" on the t-case shifter.

[mvusse]

242 adds AWD ability to the mix (aka, driving on dry concrete, without blowing things up). found in any 87+ XJ that was ordered with it. look in the cab for an extra choice of "full-time" on the t-case shifter.

 

Or a tailgate badge that reads "Selec-Trac".

[Biotex]

Thanks a bunch guys. This Comanche is starting to grow on me.