4WD to 2WD Conversion

[BigDaddy]

I've got a friend that has an '87 Grand Wagoneer that has blown the transfer case (it had a leak and he didn't know it and it's dead now). He doesn't use the Jeep for off-roading, so instead of replacing the t-case, he wants to just remove it and use the truck as 2WD. Is this feasible? I figured he could just remove the front drive shaft, but he wants to ditch the extra weight in hopes of slightly better fuel economy. Is there a regular 2WD front end that he can swap in to get rid of the heavy front diff as well?

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BigDaddy
'89 GW
"Woodrow" (http://bsd.rsoc.com/bigdaddy/woodrow.jpg)

[Manhattan]

Tell your friend to consider the "economy" part of fuel economy. The savings in removing the extra weight is negligable. If he gains 1/2 of 1 mpg I will be amazed. Now consider the cost of gas multiplied by the miles driven. He would probably have to drive 20,000 miles per year for 30 years to offset a few hundred bucks... or 50 bucks in cost to convert to 2 wheel drive. Also if he is going to sell it (ever), a Grand Wag with a bad t-case will be tough to sell - a Grand Wag converted to 2 wheel drive will be almost worthless.

[scotty]

you can install a conventional 2wd tranny and single rear driveshaft.install manual locking hubs and nothing int the front end will turn. i agree removing the front axle is a bad idea. it will tak alot of miles for this to "pay" for itself. also there is nothing that i can think of that will simply "bolt in". if you leave the frontend in,it will be easy for someone who realizes the the beauty and wonder of having all 4 wheels pulling to convert it back. i feel much pain for those who have not ever been exposed to the wonderful fun its possible to have in a 4wd vehicle.

also be very aware that the jeep gods will be VERY angry if you make it 2wd http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~zeimet/ubb/mad.gif . i must pray at this time not to be struck down as well for giving advice on a 2wd conversion...



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scott
85 grand wagoneer
258/904/twin stick dana 300/dana 44/welded amc 20
38x15.5 gumbo mudders
snorkel/dual batteries/onboard air/"custom" convertable
3 inch body lift/mostly stock suspension/"modified" fender openings
custom front/rear bumpers and brushgaurd

[ClarkGriswald]

Blasphemer! Heretic! How dost thou speak of such abominations and still walk the earth? Unscathed by the Jeep God? Perhaps this wayward soul truly seeks enlightenment. Could it be that this could be the experience that will open your friends eye's to the pure joy of launching yourself straight up a massive sand dune? or slowly crawling up an area that no other vehicle would dare dream traversing? Let us pray that our new brother will see the light......

P.S. No offense meant, just playing around there guys... seriously mabye he should go to a 208 then he can run lockout hubs and shutoff the front axle entirly while in 2wheeldrive mode..
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88 Grand Wagoneer
D44's front\rear
AMC 360
TF 727
NP 229 (Funky)
Bone Stock (for now)
NO RUNNING BOARDS!

[This message has been edited by ClarkGriswald (edited August 07, 2000).]

[Ray Stephens]

Boyce Equipment would probably be a good source for a 208 T-case replacement.Just call them with the spline count on your output shaft. This will inevitably be the most cost effective route in the long run.I have a 208 on my 81 J-10 that has outlived two engines so far. I have been tempted as well during this 455 conversion i'm into but decided anyone who converts one of these noble beasts should be forced to drive a pink minivan.

[scotty]

all jeep automatic transmissions,and all manuals used in ful size jeeps use a 23 spline output. there are only a couple oddball light duty manuals used in yj or xjs that use a 21 spline.



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scott
85 grand wagoneer
258/904/twin stick dana 300/dana 44/welded amc 20
38x15.5 gumbo mudders
snorkel/dual batteries/onboard air/"custom" convertable
3 inch body lift/mostly stock suspension/"modified" fender openings
custom front/rear bumpers and brushgaurd