degenerate

even in 4wd, you only have two wheels getting power, unless you're locked. you will have one front wheel, and one rear wheel spinning. with a 4x2, you essentially have an '82 buick.

b1pig

not exactly the best description in the world, but loosely true.
Disconnecting the swaybar will get you into more places than possible otherwise.

doojer

I think the answers here sum it up pretty well-- but just to put it in really simple terms...

You have a 4x4!

True, when you are not shifted into 4 hi or 4 low, you are only using 2 (rear) wheel drive. But the fact that you have a transfer case which can be shifted into 4-wheel drive means that you in fact have a 4x4-- not a 4x2. The 4x2 does not have a transfer case and cannot be shifted into 4wd. And, there are no full time 4WD or AWD JK Wranglers.

njch412

Aha thats what was confusing me. I thought there were fulltime 4wd JK's. I know you can pick 4x4 or 4x2 and I was confused, why would someone pick a 4x2 and have a transfer case put in.

2climbbig

You cannot buy a 4x2 and converte it to a 4x4 with just a transfer case... you would have to add a front axle and drive shaft. However, it should not be too hard to covernt a 4x2 to a 4x4 as it is design to support a front axle.

Brettzky-JK757

I was curious if a 4x2 could be "converted". Sounds like it probably isn't worth the expense.

I have the 4x2 and since I'm not really a "trail-guy" I probably got the right vehicle for me. Of course, I'm constantly on edge about it, and jealous when I see the various lifted and customized Jeeps. (I mean - why would I lift a 4x2?)

I think i'm the only guy on this forum who has (or admits to having) a 4x2. :sad:

tolh13

having a 4x2 just means you have to drive better then the 4x4 guys.for years i had 4x2 pick-ups and keep-ed up with Friends in 4x4s.thinking vs 4 lo.

b1pig

just to dig this one back up....

actually, i converted my ZJ to 4wd. It was a 2wd Laredo SE when I bought it.... but now resides on top of 5.5" of lift, 33's and a plethora of other parts.

To convert a JK to 4wd, you'd have to change the tranny... the 2wd and 4wd use different tail housing. (if you disassemble the tranny you could install another tailshaft and tailhousing.. blah-blah) Also, then the t-case, driveshafts(front&rear) and the front axle. Then ya gotta cut a hole in the floor for the shifter, any linkage mounting points... make adjustments to wiring harness(es) as required....

it is not something for the faint of heart. BUT... if you have the knowlege and access to the parts, it is not impossible. The problem here is how new the JK is and all of its parts. nothing is cheap.

The ZJ, however used parts that are common to other Jeeps. The TJ, XJ and ZJ all have the same basic front suspension.

When "new to me"...


Now:


The conversion is pretty common for older XJ owners looking for a good chassis to trick out with custom axles... you know... incase you have an old pair of FS Bronco axles laying around... (d44, 9")

priell3

No reason you can't lift a 4x2. Ground clearance is always a good thing and larger tires with a more aggressive tread will help also.

SFD1248

No your not the only one that admits to having a 4X2. I got one and love it. You got to remember that it is still a jeep. you just can't tear it up as much as a 4X4.