It's easy. It has got to be the easiest conversions to do. The stuff just bolts up and you can do it in pieces, like putting the trans on and then the transfer case so that you don't need a crazy trans jack. Go to the U pull it Yard and you can do it for less than $400.
Don't let anyone tell you it is hard or that it is expensive. I bought a 2WD 1990 Cherokee and it was so easy I was laughing my butt off the whole time. I bought my XJ for $300 and put another $200 in steering box and pump "leaking like a mutha" $60 for headliner cloth and glue then another $400 for the parts from the U pull it yard. $960 Cherokee. Next is prepping it for paint then off to Maaco for a $400 paint job.
And you can pick good clean stuff from a dozen different trucks and get really nice stuff that doesn't have leaks. Look for oil and dirt around the seals. If not, replacing seals is something you want to probably do anyway. Get all the little brackets, boots, screws too. Console. , the holes and harness is all there pre installed. I even had the bulb in the dash for AWD indicator. Plug and play.
If you can't do this conversion stick to air filter and oil changes. A friend can be very helpful but I did mine by myself "most people can". I don't think you need the ECM. I didn't need it. It doesn't do anything for the 4WD, at least for the older models.
You need:
Drive shafts 2x $40 "for both"
Trans $120
Transfer case $85
T-case shift $23
Front Axle $87 Make sure you match axle ratios. And you need the brakes. 2WD are different "smaller".
Total $355 + tax $20 for console if you want it.
These are the totals for the U Pull and Pay in Denver but should be close to other help yourself yards.
Check the website, they have the price list on it. U Pull And Pay dot com
I have a 96 2WD Jeep Cherokee that is my new toy. I realize though that I'm going to need to convert it to 4WD. This will be my first job of this magnitude and wanted to get ideas.
Can someone tell me exactly what I'm going to need to replace to make the transition?
Expected price on said items?