COnvert 2wd to 4wd, anything I am missing?

ROBERTK said:

Ok well I concider my self very jeep savy and all, but just wondering if I am forgetting anything?

Converting a 2000 2wd 6cyl, auto. to 4wd. WHat all should I be expecting??

New front drive axle housing matched gearing and all that.
front driveshaft

right on, but add a rear driveshaft and a shifter linkage for the tcase I would take the opportunity to get a new one from Novak

now is where I am fuzzy

Tranny.. the 2000 auto. (AW4?). Will a 231 adapt to it? Or since its a 2wd I need to swap the tranny out for a 4wd (AW4?).

you will need to swap the tailshaft out for a 4wd model

Then the next question is the TC shifter. are all the floor pans cut for them? and I just need to get the linkages and interior pivot type assembly from the wrecking yard? And then swap out the center console for a 4wd model one with the opening for the handle?

you already should have a plate over the hole in the floor if I am not mistaken, you will want the plate for the 4wd model. I do not remember if it is rivited to the floor or if it is attached differently, other than that just grab a new console, unless yours has a plastic cover snapped in place, the older models ran that route I dont remember the new one off hand.

And last (so far that is) is, will I need to be concerned with Cali smog issues if I dont get the right this or that?

I doubt it, but it is cali so who knows

This is mostly being asked to see if its benifitial for me to pick up a super clean 2000 with very low mileage for 2K and then convert or to hold out for the right 4wd model and just pay the higher $. Its for my daughter and no big rush. I just dont want to open a Huge can o worms...

it really depends on how much all those parts will run you. A used junkyard axle runs anywhere from $89 to $300 depending on where you go. Tcases have a similar range. The hardest part will be swapping out the transmission's tailshaft.

Anyone do the swap care to shed alot of light on it for me?

Click to expand...

Silent said:

Yeah, I am doing the same thing. I have been tossing this idea around for years. It was this or buying a whole new XJ, which I could not afford. I have been gathering parts for quite sometime now. I got a AW4 w/ a 242 AMC tcase off a 88/89 (cannot remember), got a Dana 30HP from a 97, got a 8.25 from a 01 (already have a 8.25, however mine is the 27 spline variety. This one is 29 spline. Not to mention could not find a Dana 44). I got the front drive shaft with the Dana 30. The only thing driveline wise I need is a rear drive shaft, but that is going to be coming from Tom Woods w/ my SYE. I have rebuild kits for Dana 30, AW4, 242, 8.25, as well as new 4.56s. The only thing I need is my lockers. I am going with ARB in rear, and TrueTrac front. This is the biggest job I have ever taken on. It is gonig to fun and frustrating at the same time. I also have a RE 4.5 Super Flex w/ Leaf Springs for my lift.

Silent

Click to expand...