Hello,new here,owned 80's jeep cherokee larado long ago and have always missed it.I have a chance to buy a 2 wheel drive 96 cherokee 60,000 original miles,one owner,from a friend for 500 bucks.I can't turn this down,cold air,rides like a new truck,new shocks,new radiator,downside 2 wheel drive.I want to change transmission to 4x4 and let mods begin.Can this be done with junkyard parts,current trans is 5 speed with 6 cylinder.If not can I put a automatic transmission as a back up truck for myself and kids,they can't drive a stick,if so will the computer match and work.Thank you in advance

 

conversion to 4x4 shouldn't be terribly hard, it'd be easier to find a complete rusted out 4x4 XJ and swap things over (depending on your area, we have lots of rusty ones in michigan)

transmission is controlled separate from the engine if you'd like to run an automatic, but it's a good time to teach the kids to drive stick.

 

For $500 I would "stick" with it! Just my 2 cents, knowing how to drive a stick can be an advantage in life situations.