I know I could search and research to find some if not all this info but this isn't going to be my build up so I don't feel like working that hard.

I have a friend with an 88 cherokee 2wd that wants to convert it to 4wd. How hard is it to get that front axle under there? To me it looks as though you could almost just bolt one right up.

The truck has the 4.0 in it with an automatic. Other than putting a front axle under there what will it take to have 4x4? Will the Tcase be able to bolt on or is he going to need a new tranny?

I am sure someone has done this so what kind of cost is he looking at? How much fabrication is going to have to be done?

Thanks for your help.

Front axle is a bolt in. Need new tranny, 4wd tranny is shorter. You'll need all the vaccum crap and switches for the 4wd and tcase.

Ok good start. Anyone know what tranny and tcase he is gonna need?

Like oldjeep stated the trans needs to be replaced, or the mainshaft swapped out for a 4wd one.

In 88 there were 2 different spline counts on the trans output/transfer input. 21 and 23 spline.Make sure you get a matching set preferably out of the same vehicle.

Look for a non disconnect front axle and avoid the vacuum. You have 2 choices on transfer, the NP231 or NP 242...242 having the fulltime 4wd option which is nice if you live in the snow region. Grab the shifter assembly from the vehicle that gives up the transfer or make sure it's the same.

Crossmember is the same.

Front axle is a bolt in.

There is NO fabrication to make this conversion work.

Look around for a cheap wreck or visit your local upull to find the parts cheap. I have a ton of XJ stuff in the garage if you need anything.

Have Fun..

In 88 there was just one Automatic trans used...an Aisin Warner 4 speed. AW4.

just buy a 4x4 donor vehicle, aaronxj from genxj.com did the swap

Thanks guys I'll let him know what he is gonna have to do

Originally posted by hjeepxj
just buy a 4x4 donor vehicle, aaronxj from genxj.com did the swap

Pretty much what i posted. I'v done the swap twice, once on mine and another via email. So i'm not speaking out my arse here. :flipoff2:

FWIW...i had alot of people give me info before i started, once i ran into a couple issues these same people were of no help as they repeated something they saw posted elsewhere.

Originally posted by MilspecXJ


Pretty much what i posted. I'v done the swap twice, once on mine and another via email. So i'm not speaking out my arse here. :flipoff2:

FWIW...i had alot of people give me info before i started, once i ran into a couple issues these same people were of no help as they repeated something they saw posted elsewhere.

i was just in agreement with you :)