Wrangler JK 4x2 to 4x4
- Thread starter gwayms
- Start date
alosix
Expedition Leader
Its probably not that bad, though I haven't looked at a 2wd one.
1.) new tailcone/possibly output for the 2wd tranny. Might be easier just to find a used 4x4 one at a salvage yard and see if they'll take the 2wd one as a trade in.
2.) Transfer case. Getting a JK one would probably be the easiest, but I'd honestly just do a 3.0:1 atlas.
3.) Front axle. Get the rubi one with the locker. regear as needed.
I'd think the steering and front brakes should swap over.
Oh, and DO IT.. you'd be doing a service to the Jeep community. 2WD Wranglers SHOULD NEVER EXIST
1.) new tailcone/possibly output for the 2wd tranny. Might be easier just to find a used 4x4 one at a salvage yard and see if they'll take the 2wd one as a trade in.
2.) Transfer case. Getting a JK one would probably be the easiest, but I'd honestly just do a 3.0:1 atlas.
3.) Front axle. Get the rubi one with the locker. regear as needed.
I'd think the steering and front brakes should swap over.
Oh, and DO IT.. you'd be doing a service to the Jeep community. 2WD Wranglers SHOULD NEVER EXIST
stonehenge
Observer
its a pretty easy swap. everything bolts right in, you can find D44's from rubi's everywhere because a lot of people upgrade to RJ60's when going up in tire size. if you do the swap you will have to wore your own switch to the front e-locker which is good because then you can turn it on at will unlike the stock configuration where you have to have your rear locked before you can lock the front.
its a driveway job with a good tool set and patience you should be able to do the conversion in a full weekend, i would also look for a stock front driveshaft as they are also plentiful.
good luck.
its a driveway job with a good tool set and patience you should be able to do the conversion in a full weekend, i would also look for a stock front driveshaft as they are also plentiful.
good luck.
The one thing to look into on the JK is does the 4x2 have the wiring for the computer to recognize the transfer case of a 4x4, and also the programming for the computer to automatically recognize it and change the ESP settings for 4x4. I know it has been done before on the JK, but I really don't remember from the write ups if there was any computer reprogramming, or electrical harnesses that needed to be bought, or rebuilt.
stonehenge
Observer
the pigtails for the transfer case are there but i have to be honest, you would be better served by buying an atlas twin stick (the price will be very close to a rubi case) it will give better gearing and much more strength. as far as the esp/abs goes it has to do with the corners (each wheel) so as long as you connect the harness at each corner the computer will recognize it.
wjeeper
Active member
I dont know with the JK's for sure but with most jeeps its a fairly strait forward swap. I know the front housing on a 2wd is essentially a 4wd housing just minus the diff and shafts and some different stub shafts to hold the unit bearing together. My buddy did this to an xj and it was more or less a bolt on affair.
However by the time you buy a t-case, front housing, rework the rear driveshaft, get a front driveshaft and possibly modify/ swap crossmembers I am not convinced it would be much cheaper than just getting a 4x4 off the bat.
In my buddys case the cost of converting was just slightly higher than if he had just bought a 4x4 chero to start with
My $0.02
However by the time you buy a t-case, front housing, rework the rear driveshaft, get a front driveshaft and possibly modify/ swap crossmembers I am not convinced it would be much cheaper than just getting a 4x4 off the bat.
In my buddys case the cost of converting was just slightly higher than if he had just bought a 4x4 chero to start with
My $0.02
stonehenge
Observer
I would concur with wjeeper unless you are buying the JK as a 2WD to build, by that i mean Rock Jock 60's, Atlas and 1350 driveshafts to handle the additional strain which will be caused by larger tires. If i had it to do all over again i would certainly buy a stripper 2WD and order the parts i just suggested. i bought my wrangler X and in less than 7 months i had installed a 5.7 Hemi, RJ60's and a JE Reels 1350 front and rear shafts, about 2 months later here i am installing an atlas. i was fortunate to have been able to sell all of my old parts to offset some of the cost but i should have done it the right way the first time. how does that saying go? hindsight is always 20/20.
Andy
wjeeper
Active member
GREAT point! When I built my WJ up I took out the stock t-case, axles and drive shafts and didn't reuse them. When it was sitting on jackstands with no drivetrain or suspension the only difference between my "4x4" and a 2wd was the transfercase adaptor.......probably could have started out with a 2wd and come out cheaper.........oh well live and learn.
I guess really it comes to how you want to build it. Converting it to stock, converting its probably not worth it. However building one up your probably swapping all that stuff anyways so why not!