How hard is the switch from 2wd to 4wd on a 94 XJ?

[VisualOddity]

I am choosing between an 86 Command-Trac 4x4 XJ in pretty good condition, and a same condition 94 2WD V6 XJ... Now, I will not have a lot of money to do this, and have no idea how lol, but WILL have 4wd in the end, so if it's better to go w/ the one that already does, great! http://www.jeepforum.com/ubb/cool.gif

The 94 is nice, nothing special. Just stock...
The 86 is 4x4, and has a recently rebuilt motor/tranny. The motor still has some sort of a warranty as well. Other than the motor (and one being 4wd), what are the differences between the 86's and 94's?

[dedmete]

If money is an issue, I'd go with the 86. Less headache (converting to 4WD). Are they both 6 cyl? The 94 will have the 4.0 HO. Not sure what motor is in the 86.

[Lawn Cher']

The '86 would either be a 4-cyl or the GM 2.8 V-6, which is a POS. Hold out for what you really want, a '87 or newer 4wd I-6 model, they are all over the place.

[VisualOddity]

I need to find something tonight, and I only have about $2200 total... :(
Anyone know of anything in or around Austin?

[RichP]

I need to find something tonight, and I only have about $2200 total... :(
Anyone know of anything in or around Austin?


HOLY $HIT, he ain't kidding, wonder how many I could haul down there from up here, pre 90's in this area are around $1500 on the lots.
Did find this one though thru www.autotrader.com
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=201794847&dealer_id=57456438&car_year=1988&mod_bookmark_id=null&search_type=both&num_records=&make=JEEP&distance=100&model=&address=78710&certified=&advanced=&max_price=3000&bkms=1158174370596&min_price=1&end_year=1992&start_year=1981&lang=en&cardist=79

[VisualOddity]

I can't make it to Waco tonight though... :(
Thanks though... :)

[gjxj]

From all Ive heard converting to 4x4 is not at all practical -- maybe that helps the decision.
There were no v6's in 94 BTW. Sucks making that kind of decision in hurry..

[jeepsrock]

I too had a 94xj that was 2wd....After a while of searching for the right jeep i scored a 93 xj with a bad motor but working otherwise. I purchased it for 570$ took what i needed, sold some parts on ebay made around 400$, salvaged the rest of the jeep and had 4x4 on my 94. It took about a week, woringn a bit everyday with a buddy.
The point is its not hard as long as you got help and are mechanically inclined a bit.

Pete

[RichP]

I too had a 94xj that was 2wd....After a while of searching for the right jeep i scored a 93 xj with a bad motor but working otherwise. I purchased it for 570$ took what i needed, sold some parts on ebay made around 400$, salvaged the rest of the jeep and had 4x4 on my 94. It took about a week, woringn a bit everyday with a buddy.
The point is its not hard as long as you got help and are mechanically inclined a bit.

Pete

Yea, it also helps big time if you have them sitting next to each other as you make the switchover. Then you have ALL the parts right there. A friend of my sons is doing his but he's pieceing it together so it's taking some time as he locates parts.

[Jeff in VA]

From all Ive heard converting to 4x4 is not at all practical -- maybe that helps the decision.
There were no v6's in 94 BTW. Sucks making that kind of decision in hurry..

It's really just a plug-and-play operation....everything bolts right in. You can do it on the cheap too, if you take your time gathering parts (like I did and Rich's friend is doing)

Jeff

[badron]

Finished this switchover about 3 weeks ago. Get some air tools and torch and you will be back on the road fast It took us 4 days to do his. Would have been done sooner but he wanted a lift and gearing. The shop he sent the difs to was slow in getting them back. Plus when the engine/tranny is out this is a good time to do a H&T or any other mods. LUCK

[meengreen]

Don't buy anything with the V6!! The I6 is a way better motor. Buy the one with the I6 and the 4X4. It's almost a no brainer.:sunshine:

[Atl XJ]

Finished this switchover about 3 weeks ago. Get some air tools and torch and you will be back on the road fast It took us 4 days to do his. Would have been done sooner but he wanted a lift and gearing. The shop he sent the difs to was slow in getting them back. Plus when the engine/tranny is out this is a good time to do a H&T or any other mods. LUCK
Why did you take the engine out?