Jeep: convert 4x2 to a 4x4, jeep cherokee country, 4x4 cherokee

Question
i bought a salvaged 1996 4x4 jeep cherokee country. motor, transmission,4x4 componets great shape.is it possible to convert a 1995,1996 or 1997 4x2 to a 4x4, using my componets

Answer
95 or 96 yes. 97, I'm not so sure since they changed in that year. I know some parts are compatible, but the computers and harnesses may not be. Honestly, I have worked on lots of Cherokees, and I think it would be in your best interest to part it out, take the parts you have, sell them, and just buy a 4x4 Cherokee. 2x4 XJ's aren't very common and you are looking at a whole lot of work to swap all that over. You can buy Cherokees pretty inexpensive right now. I will buy them cheap, take them apart, sell the parts, and actually make more on the parts than the Jeep as whole would have got.


Revised:
If you guys want a project, I would still find a 4x4 XJ to start with and put the money towards lifting and modifying it. Maybe build a stroker out of a 4.0L and a 4.2L. Gears and lockers, custom bumpers. Lots of learning and fun projects there, without the hassle of a ton of work and money just to get where you'd be by buying a 4x4 in the first place. If your drivetrain is real good, buy a nice body 4x4 and swap your stuff in. The 4x2 to 4x4 swap is honestly a waste for anything more than learning unless you had a flawless 4x2 with a bad drivetrain.

Keep Jeepin!