[nickpboeuf]

I have the opportunity to buy a complete ‘99 AWD donor car and want to swap the subframe into my ‘02 RWD. The only part that’s intimidating to me is the wiring. Can I just avoid the wiring headache by getting the JOR 4x4 conversion kit or will I need to swap the harness and ECM into my RWD?

 

[Maximan1]

I'm doing the same with my 99 RWD and a 99 AWD donor subframe. You should be able to use the JOR 4x4 kit, it only uses the output speed sensor. This is what JOR told me as well when I called them.

 

[markmitch]

I put a 98 AWD frame under my 89 RS, The best advice I can give is do not do it alone. The hardest part doe me was actually pulling one frame and rolling the other under it. I used a 5 ton engine hoist to lift both bodies, but when it came to roll the frames out or in the hoist was in the way. I used two 4x4's and had my stepson hold the body steady while I rolled the frame out then back in. Also sell as much off the part's van as you can to recoup some of the spent money. Mine is also a V8 which made things more complicated. Happy Trails!

 

[Mmusicman]

I have the opportunity to buy a complete ‘99 AWD donor car and want to swap the subframe into my ‘02 RWD. The only part that’s intimidating to me is the wiring. Can I just avoid the wiring headache by getting the JOR 4x4 conversion kit or will I need to swap the harness and ECM into my RWD?

YES you can use a 99AWD (subframe, suspension, and front differential) with an 02 RWD without wiring or controllers. The JOR 233C 4x4 conversion kit is "manual" operation (with a mechanical shifter) and does not use any electronics or controllers. It is not AWD.. but it is manual 4WD. There is one slight mod to the vehicle that allows automatic shifting (in 4-LOW only)... but is not essential. You can still manually shift between 1-2 gear in 4-LOW without it. None the less, this one wire mod goes to a toggle switch (or switch your rig on transfer case) and is not part of the AWD controller OR the transfer case.

15" 5x5 wheels will interchange with these years too, which is a bonus.

If you wanted a functional factory AWD system.. then you would need the wiring and controllers. Otherwise manual 4x4 is a great option.

 

[nickpboeuf]

I'm doing the same with my 99 RWD and a 99 AWD donor subframe. You should be able to use the JOR 4x4 kit, it only uses the output speed sensor. This is what JOR told me as well when I called them.

That’s awesome to hear! Are you keeping your RWD harness and ecm?

YES you can use a 99AWD (subframe, suspension, and front differential) with an 02 RWD without wiring or controllers. The JOR 233C 4x4 conversion kit is "manual" operation (with a mechanical shifter) and does not use any electronics or controllers. It is not AWD.. but it is manual 4WD. There is one slight mod to the vehicle that allows automatic shifting (in 4-LOW only)... but is not essential. You can still manually shift between 1-2 gear in 4-LOW without it. None the less, this one wire mod goes to a toggle switch (or switch your rig on transfer case) and is not part of the AWD controller OR the transfer case.

15" 5x5 wheels will interchange with these years too, which is a bonus.

If you wanted a functional factory AWD system.. then you would need the wiring and controllers. Otherwise manual 4x4 is a great option.

Since it sounds like I don't need to swap any wiring over using the 4x4 conversion kit I think I will definitely pick up the AWD van and do the swap. I am kind of worried about using the transmission from the AWD since it has 215k miles on it and I had my trans rebuild about 40k miles ago. Without swapping out the tailshafts I don't see a way of getting around it.

The one-wire mod sounds easy enough that I would probably end up doing it. Is there a guide somewhere?

I put a 98 AWD frame under my 89 RS, The best advice I can give is do not do it alone. The hardest part doe me was actually pulling one frame and rolling the other under it. I used a 5 ton engine hoist to lift both bodies, but when it came to roll the frames out or in the hoist was in the way. I used two 4x4's and had my stepson hold the body steady while I rolled the frame out then back in. Also sell as much off the part's van as you can to recoup some of the spent money. Mine is also a V8 which made things more complicated. Happy Trails!

My brother lives close by and would be able to help me out when I need it. I plan to use the engine hoist to lift the body off as well and then I'll make some sort of support system so I can remove the hoist and roll the frame out.

I plan to sell everything that I don't need off of the donor van. It's pretty cheap so I should be able to recoup the cost quickly.

 

[Mmusicman]

The transmissions should be interchangeable.. but not sure exactly what will parts will need to be swapped. I think you swap the transfer-case "adapter" with the RWD tail-housing (not sure about the output shaft).. but I'm sure it can be done, since they are the same transmission. Someone here with more experience will likely chime in

 

[markmitch]

You will have to swap out the inner shaft to use your transmission, buy a gasket kit to swap it out. Or ask a local trans shop how much they charge to do it. Rear drive has a longer inner shaft

 

[nickpboeuf]

You will have to swap out the inner shaft to use your transmission, buy a gasket kit to swap it out. Or ask a local trans shop how much they charge to do it. Rear drive has a longer inner shaft

Thanks for confirming this. That’s what I picked up from reading other peoples post on the forum. I have rebuilt a 4l60e before and I think I’d rather take them to a trans shop to get it swapped.

 

[Maximan1]

That’s awesome to hear! Are you keeping your RWD harness and ecm?

Yes, not doing any wiring changes other than what comes with the JOR 4x4 swap kit.