500 MJ Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Hey All, Just picked up a two wheel drive MJ and want to convert it to 4wd. I have seen in done before many times and know I am capable of doing it, just don't know what all I will have to do... Here are some specs on the reciever and the donor: '88 MJ: 4.0L, 5spd, Dana 35 (3.07) '92 XJ: 4.0L HO, Auto, Dana 30 and 35 (3.55) I planned on taking the driveline out of the XJ and swapping it to the MJ, what difficulties will I encounter? How many out there have done this? Thanks, Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 IIRC, you are going to have T-case input issues. The MJ has a Puke-out with the 21 spline output, and the T-case is going to have a 23 spline input. But you can remedy that with getting a AX-15 with the 23 spline output. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 16, 2006 Author Share Posted May 16, 2006 What about the swapping in the automatic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejeep Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 major issues... The engines are not compatable.. (non HO and HO don't like each other) the gears are not matching if you just take the front axle. the auto tranny requires the full 92 XJ body harness to be swapped (MAJOR surgury) my suggestion.... pick up a 231 with a 21 spline from a 4cyl Use BOTH axles from the XJ... just swap the spring perches on the rear Sell off the remaining XJ to even out losses. The swap will be as simple as it can be, you will gain a better gear ratio in the axles and keep everything simple under the hood Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 What about the swapping in the automatic? You can swap the entire automatic with transfer case, but you can't use the '92 flex plate. The ring gear that triggers the CPS has a different tooth spacing and pattern for the Chrysler system than what was used in the Renix (87 - 90) system. Find a Crown dealer and you should be able to get a new flex plate for around $60. Heck, if I were doing the swap I'd want a new flex plate just for insurance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Couple little things not to overlook. You'll need a longer speedometer cable, and the '92 is an electric speedo. Also, depending on what tranny you end up using, you may need a different sized transfer case linkage rod (there's 3 different sizes, one for an AX5, AX15, and AW4). Or you can fab your own stand-alone linkage. You'll also need to either cut down the MJ 2WD rear driveshaft or source one that's specific to the driveline you end up using....the XJ one will be too short. Front shaft may or may not be the correct length. And if you reuse the Pukegoat or go with an AX15, it'd be a good idea to do a clutch job while you have it all torn apart. Maybe swap out the CPS as well if yours is questionable too, since you'll have easy access to it. It's the little things in doing a conversion that make you slap your head sometimes :D Have fun! Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87manche Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 I'm not sure on this, but isn't the 2WD trans gonna have a tailcone with a slip yoke? What work is entailed to change that on a puegout. I know it's major surgery on an AX-15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mjeff87 Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Yup, the BA10 (2WD) won't work without major surgery....probably even more difficult than a 2WD AX15 to boot, considering the "clamshell" design of the case. I don't even know if it's sectioned like the AX's, where you can remove the rear section. I'd guess it's two cast pieces- maybe you can't convert it at all (?) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 16, 2006 Author Share Posted May 16, 2006 Ok, So I decided to find my front axle, tranny and t-case to throw under the MJ and leave the XJ whole. The whole pedal swap and harness issues I overlooked and thats why I started this post. I'll just try and find a AX-15, NP231 and Dana 30 (3.07) and make my life easier with this whole ordeal. When I pick up the 231 and 15 do they have to be a certain type or will any 231 bolt to the 15 and then to the 4.0? What should I expect to pay for each of these components? It was mentioned above that some surgury needed to take place on a 2wd 15 and I'd like to avoid that... Thanks for all your help so far guys, Brent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 16, 2006 Author Share Posted May 16, 2006 So I am also assuming that most of you guys use those BA-10's as paperweights and nothing more... ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 Yup, the BA10 (2WD) won't work without major surgery....probably even more difficult than a 2WD AX15 to boot, considering the "clamshell" design of the case. I don't even know if it's sectioned like the AX's, where you can remove the rear section. I'd guess it's two cast pieces- maybe you can't convert it at all (?) You could, but it's a complete rebuild at that point. And unless you're really into doing it yourself, you're looking at $2800+. Oh, that's if you could even find the parts to do it. And there's some incompatibilites with 4.0/AX-15/231s. Older 231s had 21 spline inputs, newer came with 23. Most AX-15s had 23 spline outputs. All AX-15s will bolt to the 4.0 but there's some things that need to be delt with. There's a good writeup on the swap somewhere. Also newer (96+?) AX-15s come with external slave cylinders, which is more desirable. To make things easy, pull the 231 and AX-15 from the same vehicle. On and there's two flavours of D30, vac disco and non. Get the non-vac disco to make life easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted May 16, 2006 Share Posted May 16, 2006 So I am also assuming that most of you guys use those BA-10's as paperweights and nothing more... ;) If you are pulling it, and letting her sit, please let me know. I have 121k on this one, and the first one lasted 140k. Like to get another spare laying around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 17, 2006 Author Share Posted May 17, 2006 Its all yours once I have it pulled...you wouldn't know where I could find some of these parts I so desire do ya? I'll get you some cash for them and you can have your tranny for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 I would keep it simple and strip the MJ down to the steel and swap the whole caboodle. But I'm a manual transmission guy myself so it's a tough choice. This is what I did with my Peugeot after it decided to self-destruct: I made little trophies! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 17, 2006 Author Share Posted May 17, 2006 So I am just checkin and I know this is a stupid question but I could pull the AX-15 and 231 combo from an XJ, TJ or YJ with a 4.0L and bolt it up if the spilne counts are correct... which they should be if I grab the combo together... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 The YJ/TJ parts are slightly different than XJ/MJ and some creativity is needed. The shifters (both the trans and the t-case) are different and the t-case is clocked higher up. I put a TJ assembly into my MJ and it's do-able, just not bolt-in. See: http://www.picturetrail.com/petermontie in the "drivetrain" folder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whowey Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 Its all yours once I have it pulled...you wouldn't know where I could find some of these parts I so desire do ya? I'll get you some cash for them and you can have your tranny for free. Well, it depends... I pm'ed ya. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 If you plan to build this truck up, I'd use the TJ/YJ one. The clocking on XJ/MJ ones blows. My tranny is just about touching the top of the tunnel and I still don't have my tcase up high enough, IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 If you want some axles, mine can be pulled and ready for pick up if the price is right :brows: I really need to swap in my D60's and put some bigger meats on my rig :evil: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 17, 2006 Author Share Posted May 17, 2006 Where abouts are you located? I would only be intereested in the front axle if it has 3.07 gears. I probably won't go out of state, I located one in a junkyard that they are price gouging on and trying to avoid getting it, but if it comes down to that one I'll go with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete M Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 I mean this from the bottom of my heart: Do yourself a bog favor and stop looking for a 3.07 and start looking for a pair of 3.55 or better. 3.55 are the most common XJ axles out there and all you need is to weld on perches to the rear axle. car-part.com might be able to help you out in your search. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rejeep Posted May 17, 2006 Share Posted May 17, 2006 I have a pair of XJ axles.. 3:55 gearsets.. I can see how much it would be to ship them if you are interested Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pingpong Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 I am located in VA, but since you are looking for 3.07 axles :eek: :nuts: you don't want mine :huh???: Especially since they are 4.10's with alloy shafts, and a lock right up front, and never mind the 8.8 in the rear with armor and whel spacers :nanner: They probrably wouldn't like being under you rig anyways :huh???: :shake: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DirtyComanche Posted May 18, 2006 Share Posted May 18, 2006 Do yourself a huge favour and buy Pat's axles. Honestly. They're ready to go and will hold just about anything you throw at them without a glitch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
500 MJ Posted May 19, 2006 Author Share Posted May 19, 2006 Gentlemen, If I wanted to suck gas, I'd buy the axles. Since this will be my commuting vehicle for college in the winter (I have to drive 420 miles one way to Michigan Tech), I am going to go for the best mileage possible and still have the fun of a 4wd. I know the gearing for tourque won't be there, but a 4.0 can more than make up for the loss in gears when 4 wheeling. Call me crazy, but I am looking to save $$$ at the pump. BTW, I think I found a setup in a yard close to home with 3.07's. But if anyone else has any, let me know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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