Jeep Cherokee | 2 Wheel Drive to 4x4 Conversion overview 

Hope it helps those that want to do a conversion

@@TheBootheelKid question i have a donor, are you saying that i cab simply use the transfer case and connect it directly to mw trans no issues? is there anything i need to do to my transmission before connecting the transfer case?

You need the 4x4 transmission the stock 2wd tranny will not work

@@TheBootheelKid thanks man.....great talking with you on IG

My pleasure

It's imperative that only people with common sense do this conversion, and that if is common sense. If you do not behold said common sense, do not attempt.

97-01 As long as its an automatic and isn't a diesel or upcountry and one doesnt have a tow package or dana 44 it'll be 3.55:1. I did the number a long time ago and its like one out of 7000 xjs have some gearing other than 3.55:1

I'm glad you told those Joe Biden loving gun banning clowns off.

Indeed I did, I would recommend forst of all not doing it yourself unless you are experienced in wiring and all that, second 8 would recommend using solder seal connectors

Should work

I didn't run into anything crazy with the Cherokee, but I'd on the grand Cherokee I haven't done the conversion on a grand

I used the full drive train from the 4x4 donor, engine transmission and tranfer case, the 2 wheel drive transmission has a different tail shaft and its more work than its worth to swap tail shafts.

The Bootheel Kid Ohh that makes sense. Thank you for the clarification!!

I recommend finding a full donor XJ, Maybe find one cheap that is rusted out that runs or one that runs with no title that you can get cheap or even a wreck. Then find you a 2wd that is in great shape with a title that runs or has a blown engine that you can get for a good price then just start swapping parts. You can do this in a driveway with ramps, floor jacks, bottle jacks, jack stands and a engine hoist (if you have to swap engines). If you get a running 2wd its even easier its just swapping the tranny/transfer case and front axle and hooking everything up

@@TheBootheelKid I just got the other day a running 2wd Cherokee sport 1994 4.0L For 200 dollars Do I have to find the same model or car or can it be other keep model ?

It's not bad with the 31x10.50s on it i don't worry when i pass cars anyway.

@@TheBootheelKid good! Keep it up bud it's great!

yes

I used the 97 4x4 ECM so no check engine light

Also note that the 2wd ecd did not run correctly in my swap. It started but missed like crazy. It could have been that the 01 ecm is programmed for coil packs instead of distributer.

@@TheBootheelKid so to clarify In a 2000 XJ Auto i can use the stock ecm or I have to buy a 4x4 ecm?

I have no idea is the ZJ would be smthe same on the swap. I would say most likely yes though

Where are you? I'm in Los Angeles. If you are close maybe I can help. I have a 96 4x4 stick 94k miles that I purchased a month ago. Tonight I purchased a 94 4x2 stick that I will convert to 4x4.

@@James_the_Builder I am in San Diego! Not far from you. I probably wouldn't work on it myself although I would want to. I am a cheater, I go to Mexico and get my guy to do it. It's not as cheap as doing it myself but it isn't too expensive. I just need to buy all the components needed first.

Sorry I'm just getting caught up on comments. I'm my staff the 2wd xjs are the only ones without rust, you may not have that issue in California. The conversion can be done in a driveway honestly with jackstands and a couple jacks and some basic tools. If you already have a 2wd xj just start looking for a cheap wrecked 4x4 tonuse as a doner

@@SyrenFranco I'm in San diego too I'm trying to do this conversion but no luck on a 98 and up transmission

Probably need a 4x4 donor with a manual

The Bootheel Kid yeah that’s what I was thinking. I’ve found a lot of donor jeeps but they’re all auto. I’m having a hard time finding a 4x4 manual

Im having the same issue with my mj project lol

@@TheBootheelKid is there wiring when doing a manual to manual conversion?

Bolted up fine

All cherokees came with an open differential from the factory i believe

Wiring harness plugs might be different

If you live those enough i just might do that lol. Shoot me an email

@@TheBootheelKid I'm in Warsaw mo

Dustin Mccrory did you end up swapping it?

So I talked to a transmission guy about that and it can be converted but he said it was WAAYYYYY more work than it was worth and still may never work just right

@@TheBootheelKid thanks for the response currently converting a 2000 xj

Nice man, yeah just get you a donor trans it's way easier

The Bootheel Kid dang man my overdrive pack was a few bolts slip it off snatched the output shaft out put the 4x4 shaft in and bolted the 4x4 overdrive pack up took like 45 mins

Yes

[USDMX] or just swap the overdrive pack and put put shaft that’s what I did

97

No sir you have to use the 4x4 tranny the 2WD had a different tailshaft. Can you still say tranny it is it offensive now?

No the tail shaft is different between the 2wd and 4x4

So you need a 4x4 transmission too?

Yes you need the 4x4 tranny

As far as what? You need an engine to drive it lol

@@TheBootheelKid I know that.!!!!!! Is the 2wd engine and 4wd engine the same????

Oh ok yeah the engine are the same the transmission is different so you can use the stock engine out of the 2wd but you need the 4x4 tranny and transfer case

@@TheBootheelKid definitely want to convert my 2wd to 4x4 aswell