wrightstuff Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Semi–noob here. So I have a couple of questions? I have a 1990 Comanche base and a 1988 comanche base. Both have the 2.5L with a AX–5 tranny. From my understanding the MJ is the trucks and the XJ is the Cherokee or Wrangler, is that correct? And if I want to do a simple bolt on 2wd–4wd swap I have to keep the donor being a 2.5L with a AX–4. What years and models should I be looking for exactly for the easiest conversions?
87MJTIM Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 MJ = Comanche 86 to 92 XJ = Cherokee 84 to 01 YJ = Wrangler 87 to 95 The MJ and XJ are ALMOST identical from the front seats forward. The 4wd parts from any comparably equipped MJ/XJ will bolt right in. The front drive shaft is the same. The rear DS is longer for the MJ, whether it's SWB or LWB. I believe there are differences with the YJ setup but I am not sure of them.
wrightstuff Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 So either way I will have to modify the drive shaft if I go with a cherokee?
87MJTIM Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 The rear, yes. I swapped tran in a CJ and had both DS lengths changed. One lengthened, one shortened. It cost a few $$. Since it is only one, it would not cost as much.
87MJTIM Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Take your current DS and get it shortened once you know by how much.
wrightstuff Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 Gotcha! I noticed slot of the newer Cherokees such as the Laredos are V–6. How would this play in to the transmission swaps?
Siopposition Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Refer to the years above if the Cherokee. Built until 01. Non if the cherokees had v-6s... Well cept super early ones with the 2.8l which is crap anyway.
wrightstuff Posted July 21, 2015 Author Posted July 21, 2015 Thanks guys. Off to begin my search for the perfect donor!
Incommando Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Do not confuse a Grand Cherokee with a Cherokee. They are not the same
87MJTIM Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Gotcha! I noticed slot of the newer Cherokees such as the Laredos are V–6. How would this play in to the transmission swaps? The V6 2.8 was in early XJ and MJ - 84-86. The I6 4.0 was used from 87-06 in jeeps. After 06, jeep installed V6 3.8. The XJ ended in 01. The Grand Cherokee (ZJ & WJ) started in 93. The WJ would have the V6. If you found an early XJ with a V6 2.8 just RUN AWAY! I don't think the bolt patterns for V6s mate up with the 4.0 matched trans.
Strokermjcomanche Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Wjs never had a V6 it was an I6 or the 4.7 v8 . Grand Cherokees (Wk's) started using the V6 in 2005 . To the OP : many people call an inline straight six a V6 , just make sure what it actually is .
87MJTIM Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Sorry, my bad. I never kept up with the GCs. (Personally, I didn't/don't like any of the GCs)
Strokermjcomanche Posted July 21, 2015 Posted July 21, 2015 Sorry, my bad. I never kept up with the GCs. (Personally, I didn't/don't like any of the GCs) Youre fine , I have an 01 WJ and don't like them either . I'll stick with the XJ/ MJ .
ryrycars Posted July 22, 2015 Posted July 22, 2015 You could also just piece together the parts needed. That might be a little cheaper for you then buying a donor vehicle. Just make sure the front axle has the same gears as your rear. The AX4 transmission is a 4 speed, I would recommend staying with a AX5 which did come in the 2.5 and 2.8 Cherokees and Comanches.
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