89 XJ to TJ T-case swap

[iluv83vettes]

I have an 89 XJ with the auto tranny and my brother-in-law has a newer TJ (not sure of the exact year) also with the auto tranny. He just got it a little over a month ago and says that the four wheel drive "doesn't work." When I was over at their house I looked at it some, but it was dark and I couldn't see very well. It did shift when you move the lever so that wasn't the issue. My question is, will a 231 out of an 89 EASILY swap into the TJ? Also any other ideas of what might be the problem and how to fix it would be great.

 

[cruiser54]

Not likely. Further diagnosis of the TJ in good light conditions is your best bet.

 

[RCP Phx]

The input shaft spline count is different.

 

[joe_peters]

Not likely. Further diagnosis of the TJ in good light conditions is your best bet.

The input shaft spline count is different.

Yeah, the spline count would be different, and I believe the YJ/TJ 231s are clocked different, but that might not be a deal killer.

 

[RCP Phx]

The t-case mounting is the same,the "clocking" is done with the trans adapter.