Tankerblade

You dont have to use the same year parts. But when it comes to electrical it is highly recommended to use the same year.

Tankerblade

Back to the OP, pretty much get the parts

4x4 Transmission (2wd tranny's are longer and dont fit t-cases)
Transfer case and it's linkage
Front driveshaft
Rear driveshaft (make sure you get one from a matching trans/rear axle combo)
Front axle assembly (make sure the gear ratio matches your rear axle)

Then its just a simple swap out the parts, pop a hole for the linkage, connect the electrical (i think its only one plug) then play.

I'm not entirely sure of what all the problems are since i havent done it yet, but i know there is a thread of a guy doing it step by step somewhere on here. Search and i think that'd help you alot!

funkle95xj

It is recommended that you use parts from as similar of a year as you can. This pertains mostly to the tranny though, as it is the only thing connected electrically aside from the 4x4 indicator light from the t-case which is universal I think. The axle can pretty much be from any year truck just avoid the vaccuum disco ones. Best bet for a front axle is 95 or newer, or an ABS axle prior to 95 as they all have to better 297x u joints and stronger axle shafts. The driveshafts can also come from any year as long as the rear shaft matches your tranny/rear axle combo, they came in different lengths for D35s, 8.25s and D44s. Also try to match the years of your tranny and t-case, or better yet, get both from the same rig. this will ensure the spline count matches.