I am new to Jeep land but not new to 4x4wire. I have been over in the Toyota forum for a couple of years now. I have found this to be a great place for information and knowlegeable people.

I just purchased a 1992 Cherokee. It is a 2 door, 4.0L, 5-speed manual trans, and two wheel drive with 171,000 miles. It supposidly has a blown head gasket. I think that someone was given a line and then sold it because the mechanic did not have a clue. I can not find anything wrong. Supposidly it has oil in the coolant.

Anyway, it looks like a 4x4 conversion is a walk in the park on one of these things. Am I off base on this? I would like to buy a parts 4x4. I do have a couple of questions.

1. T-case, will it bolt to the back of the trans? I do not know what trans is in here... yet. Is there a particular t-case I need to look for?

2. Lift, I am thinking about putting about 3" or so under it. I was thinking coil spacers in the front and a combo of shakles and blocks in the back. The idea would be to clear 31" tires. Recomendations?

3. Is there anything that I should look out for on this thing. It seems to run and drive really well.

4. What would it take on a limited budget to make this thing hold its own against my Toyota on the trail?

Any information would be great.

First things first! I have NEVER seen oil in the coolant! Yeah coolant in the oil but not viceversa..
Then we get to the 4X4 addition.. I doubt you are ready for this kind of a conversion.. I KNOW I am not. If you want 4-wheel drive it will be far cheaper to sell that ride and get one that came from the factory with everything already on it.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Even with a running driving parts Jeep for $100?

I have a good fron axle, 2 good driveshafts, and a good T-case.

Looks to me like the axle will bolt right on the front. The only question is the T-case.

You will need to get at least a new tail shaft for the tranny if not a new rear ouput shaft. It might be easier to go get a rebuilt or junkyard tranny (170K is a lot) for a 4x4 cherokee.

Your right the front end will just bolt right in.

If you have the time, pull all the plugs and look for oil, and run a compression test.

BJ I've seen oil in the coolant. If the break in the gasket or crack in the head is right next to an oil pressure passage, the oil will be under more presure than the coolant and make its way in.

Ok Sunder, I can see where that maaaay be possible.. Now when you turn the key off the coolant still has 16 pounds of pressure to push the itself into the oil! So you will have more coolant in the oil everytime you turn the key off.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

The 4x4 conversion is quite easy on an XJ. Needs are a different tranny tailhousing, tcase, front axle, and driveshafts. It's a bolt in as the front axle is located exactly the same in 4x4 and 4x2. The bottom of the passenger compartment is even stamped where you cut the hole for the tcase shifter.

True, and most of the times it does. But every once in a while you get one of those wierd cases where it takes 20 pounds of pressure to force liquid through the crack....

I've seen it once on a demo head, the prof. pulled it off a semi running topaz with 220K miles on it.

It's just one of those things that I was taught might indicate a bad head.

I am about ready to write this mechanic off as a quack. I can find nothing wrong with this engine. Other than the coolant looked like mud and it had at least 6 extra quarts of oil in the pan. We will see what new coolant and oil tells me. This thing runs great.

The trans has a very large tail cone on it that is bolted to the back. My assumption would be that the T-case adapter plate will bolt right on. I may be all wet and that is why I am asking.

I have about $525 invested in this thing so far and I know that it would be a great trail rig if I did a 4x4 conversion. It is a Florida truck and is very clean.

I can buy a parts vehicle for $100 that has an auto trans, good axle, t-case and drive shafts.

I was hoping to run across someone who has dealt with this kind of issue before and could give me a yes/no on the trans/t-case compatability. I would like to keep the manual.

Averkam, as the former owner of two Alfa Romeo Alfetta sedans I have seen oil in the coolant a few times, it is quite common with Alfa engines. Let me point you to a local north Georgia, Southern Jeeps, who's members are always converting something. I know a few of these guys have converted 2WD Cherokees to 4WD and one of them did the conversion to a Comanche.

Southern Jeeps

Not sure about the manual, I'm assuming you have an AX-15, but although the t-case will bolt right up to the transmission case the output shaft is probably not the same. I used the transmission (auto AW4) from a 4wd Cherokee to replace the 2wd version in mine and had to swap the output shaft. The 4wd shaft is about 7" shorter on the 4wd transmission. I'm thinking you'll find the same problem with your 2wd manual. that long tail assembly has a long shaft inside. The 4wd AX15 shaft barely protrudes from the tranny. I say go for the conversion but consider swapping the donor transmission and transfer case in as well. (unless the parts rig is a 4 banger!) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />