I have a 96 Cherokee sport 4x2 with a 5 speed manual trans I am converting to 4x4 and want to keep 5 speed will stock 4x2 trans adapt or do I need a4x4 specific trans. If stock trans will work do I have to modify it if so how. if I need 4x4 specific trans what trans do I need to look for

 

You need a manual transmission from a 92-96 (i think) 4x4 transmission, t case, and driveshafts.

I will check those years out for you, others could know more about manuals than I do. Those years are interchangeable for autos.

Obviously a front axle as well, preferably from a 92-99

 

'96-99 for the best D30s from the factory. Post-1999 went low pinion. If you aren't running a lot of lift this may not be an issue for you, TJ axles fall into this category and are a direct bolt-up. Pre-1996 used smaller U joints unless ordered with ABS. 1991 and earlier also had vacuum disconnect on the passenger shaft. However, any solid shafts from later years with larger U joints will work fine. You can build a frankenstien D30 with a vac. disco housing, block the vac motor section with a plate, and use TJ shafts, if you like.

94- or 95-99 are the most desirable AX-15s. The transmissions are actually the same, but use an internal slave in the early years. External slave can be had on these with a bell housing swap. NV3550s from 2000+ Jeeps will work too.

The difference between a 4WD and 2WD AX-15 is the tail extension housing and the main shaft. You CAN turn a 2WD into a 4WD, but you badically have to rebuild the whole thing with parts from a donor. It is simpler to just find a 4WD one and a transfer case.

You also need of course all of the clutch hydraulics and a manual PCM. Do some searching, it's a common swap.