4Wd Convert Question

[xmeatbagx]

I have a 89 4.0 auto 2wd and want to convert to 4wd. I scored a front axle from work out of a 96 Cherokee with none of that vacuum crap. We have a 90 Cherokee that's 4wd auto at work, if it's non vacuum can I slap that in my Comanche. From what I understand converting to 4wd is all bolt in in my truck right? No changing wire harness right?

Front axle

Tranny w/ t-case

Driveshafts

Is it that basic or is there something I'm overlooking?

 

Thanks

[AeroNautical]

Sounds about complete to me, and no, the wire harness should be identical between 89 and 90. I think it did change in 91, though, when the HO came along. You'll have to cut your rear drive shaft, as an XJ rear won't work. While your at it with the conversion, if your running a D35 in the rear, I recommend upgrading before cutting your axle. A 29 spline 8.25 is a HUGE improvement, and a dime a dozen on craigslist or the junkyard. Not bad for an axle about the strength of a D44.  Also, make sure the gears match front and rear. If both your truck and the XJ are 4.0 auto, then you should be good to go at 3.55. If the XJ is the 2.5, that's a different story. Make sure both autos have the same shifting mechanism, either floor or column. I've heard converting one to the other is more work than it is worth. 

[nitroxsteve]

It will not matter if it has the vaccum switch on the tcase or not if you have a non cad axle just leave the switch unhooked. If it is the same transmission it will be a direct swap except for the rear drive shaft as mentioned above. don't forget to get all of the shift linkage for the tcase including the part bolted to the floor.

[xmeatbagx]

thanks for the info guys