I have a 1997 2WD XJ 4 door that I am going to convert to 4WD to use as a deer lease vehicle. I have the transmission, t-case, both driveshafts, shifter, and both axles from a 96. Along with the stock parts I got the front part of a 3.5" Rubicon Express lift with all 4 adjustable control arms, some 33" tires, and aluminum wheels.
My biggest concerns right now are the 4WD conversion, overheating, and oil pressure.
4wd conversion: What if any issues can I expect with the 96 transmission into a 97?
Overheating: I'm buying a new radiator(open to suggestions), water pump, fan clutch, auxiliary electric fan, new hoses, and a full system flush.
Oil Pressure/Leaks: New oil pan gasket, rear main seal, new oil pump, and pickup.

If you have any suggestions on anything I am open.

 

96 Transmission if I'm not wrong uses different harness plugs so it's not a seamless swap. Your gonna want to find a 97 unit.

The 97,98,99,00-01 aw4 trans aren't nearly as direct swap as we'd like them to be like the previous years. They are all AW4s but each year computes the transmissions differently or run different shift solenoids or the harness plugs have changed.

Basically everything else your concerned dealing with is the basics behind 4.0s. Clear cooling system with atleast an ok quality radiator and non clogged heater core and you should be A -ok. A good condition mech clutch fan and fan shroud really make a difference as well.

Oil leaks and oil pump, not unusual at all for the oil filter adapter oring to be the cause of most oil seapage/leaks along the passenger lower side of the block/oil pan. Also not usual for an aged valve cover gasket to leak around the last spark plug and back making things messy back there as well.

 

https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970