I'm interested in converting my 2wd XJ to 4wd... Just need to have a direction to start i have a 2001 and i have a 2001 4wd... Will everything bolt up.... Each vehicle Both has a 3in lift

 

What transmissions do they have?

 

In theory, they should bolt up if the transmissions are either auto or manual on both vehicles. There may be some fabrication required if you are switching from auto to manual. It is not a hard job, but, while you have everything apart, it might not be a bad idea to see what else it needs while you have it apart.

 

re

 

What parts would i need from the 4wd donor

 

Auto which i believe is the AW4

 

transmission
transfer case
Shifter linkage
Drive shafts
center console
Front axle(with gear ratio that matches rear end)
There are more parts I'm sure

It would be an excellent time to replace all universal joints, brakes, ball joints, transmission mount, and any other suspension bushings in the front end.

 

I always wondered how difficult it would be to make the swap. I assume there would be interior things to change out also. Consoles, maybe instrument cluster, floor pan modifications? Does a D30 bolt right into place of the 2WD axle?

And is there a "sticky" or a thread that lays out the swap, step by step? This could open up my window a little bit in looking for the XJ I want to buy.

 

It's super simple to do this conversion. I've done it. I went from 2wd auto to 4wd auto, then a couple years later to 4wd manual. Everything bolts together as it should. The axle drops right in where the 2wd axle does. The trans crossmember is the same. The transfer case shifter bolts in place of a cover plate. The only custom modification you have to make is that you have to extend the wires a few inches for the speed sensor. I have a few pictures somewhere.

 

Instead of trying to transplant the old xfer case shifter linkage, I'd recommend buying one of the many aftermarket kits such as:
https://www.boostwerksengineering.co...-V20_p_25.html

 

Yeah that stock shift linkage is hot garbage. I made one like the ADW linkage. Works like a dream.

 

For reference:
https://www.azzysdesignworks.com/shop/p/xj-linkage

 

It appears that Jeep engineers were thinking when they designed the system. Nice.

 

Given that it is possible to make the conversion should I consider buying a 2WD with plans to convert it to 4WD when I find a donor? I'm looking for a Cherokee now and have come across several 2WD that were priced a little lower but were much cleaner overall. Plus they tend to not be as molested.

Or should I be patient and hold out for a factory 4WD?

My plan is restoration, not modification.

 

That's entirely up to you. If you are up for it, it's not a bad idea. 2wd means it's less likely to have been driven in snow and through mud, so less likely to be rotted out.