So i have found a 96 xj with 75k that had a tree fall on it. i can pick it up for 500 dollars and I've got a buddy that wants to go halfs on it and he's gonna take the axle. do you guys think it is economical to swap motor,trans, and t-case into my 98 with 180k or just rebuild mine?

If the engine worked, buy it. A rebuild is going to run you around 1100 bucks not to mention you get a tcase and extra transmission with it. Not sure if its a straight swap though electrically speaking. Hopping someone else will chime in on that. I got no idea if the electrical system stood the same from 96-98

I think the transmission is gonna require all of the wiring switched over but i dont know how big a job that is.