Driveline Question

[G00SE]

Is the XJ/MJ 4x4 Running Gears the only components that will fit my MJ 2wheel drive to convert it to a 4x4?

Or is there other options for me to consider?

I'm on kind of a budget and don't have an unlimited supply of resources.

I know with enough money almost everything is achievable.

I just don't want to waste my time with starting a build that I end up frustrated and leave it unfinished.

Like the build that's been in the corner of my garage now for 10+years.

The XJ in the pictures is a local guy where I live that he's put Ton Axles in and did a really good job.

The MJ is what I am starting with...

Thanks for any pointers and I apologize up front if this has been asked a zillion times..G00SE

 

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[Tactical Bacon]

If you're just starting with a basic 4wd swap and/or small lift on the Jeep, then most of the parts from an XJ will work. You can get a front axle from a TJ/YJ/ZJ/XJ if I remember correctly and it should be direct bolt-on. Transfer case will be the same for most of the NP231/242 from older ZJs and the TJ/YJs. You will need either a different transmission (RWD and 4WD units are different lengths) or convert your transmission to work (a much more involved and difficult process) with a transfer case. There's also the matter of matching input and output shaft lengths and tooth counts on the engine, transmission, and transfer case. You'll also need a new rear driveshaft, though the front driveshaft from an XJ can be used.

[Eagle]

You can use the front axle from a ZJ Grand Cherokee (1993 thru 1998) or a TJ Wrangler.

 

You can use the transmission and transfer case from a YJ or TJ Wrangler, but the transfer case may be "clocked" wrong and hit the tranny tunnel in the MJ. And you may need to get creative with the transfer case shift linkage.

[Pete M]

what is it that you want to do with the truck once it's finished?  what engine/trans do you have now?

[G00SE]

It's got a 4.0 automatic now Pete M.

And happy with it, my goal is at least a 6" lift and at least 35" tires and some nice wheels. And truly not that concerned with converting it to 4x4 yet. But plan to eventually for emergency use only, (It's snow so much in S.E.Tennessee) when we have travel to work..lol

 

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[Pete M]

plan for those tires.  plan around those tires.  you'll need strength and gearing.  the dana 35 isn't going to live long, even as a street rig.  the 8.25 from a 97+ cherokee or an 8.8 from under a late 90s Explorer are popular upgrades.  the dana 44 from an MJ or early XJ is awesome too, but can be challenging to find and expensive when you do.  car-part.com can help with junkyard searches.  

 

notes:  

the XJ can be found with a dana 35 during those years so check before buying.

v6 and v8 explorers have the same axle just with different brackets.  don't pay extra for something that you're going to remove anyway.

4.10 gears can be found in 8.8s

 

also, there's a writeup for a 6" budget lift in the DIY forum.  see the link in my signature.