Another MJ/XJ swap thread
 

I understand this gets asked here a lot and I've done some searches and gathered some valuable information, but I still need a few more opinions.

I have owned several XJs but never an MJ, although I've admired them since I first became a Jeep owner. Currently I am/was in the process of "restoring" a 1997 Cherokee Country edition. It is a pretty well equipped XJ with skip plates, tow package, leather interior, and so on. But I've wanted and need a pickup. Today I found one for sale and I'm going to go look at it. All I know so far is it is a 1988, 4.0L, 5 speed, long bed. It looks pretty beat, but the price might be right if there is potential for a majority of my new parts from the XJ will swap over. Here's what I'm thinking about....

First I will eventually swap over the front clip (header, fenders, grill, hood) and probably the doors. I understand I will need to install the different striker, and I think I can handle that. But then there is the motor. If you look at my avatar you'll see I've got a boatload of money wrapped up in a rebuilt 4.0L that I will be swapping over to the MJ. Electronics and all, and I'm thinking if I'm going that far I would like to swap over everything- the AW4, NP242, and the dash with center console. The front seats may go too if I can figure out a way to mount them up.

Continuing on, if this MJ has the D35 I would also like to swap over my 8.25 (which I just replace the entire brake system on as well as new axle seals and fluids). I understand that spring perches will need to be relocated.

So I think my questions are, other than spring perch relocation, will my complete driveline bolt up? Will there be a concern for my t-case cross member mounting? How difficult will the console shift lever be to install? Will the door jam boots for wiring match up? Can I use my XJ plastic gas tank? It has a nice brand new bosch fuel pump in it. Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks for all your help and opinions.

Bummer... went to look at the truck and found there wasn't enough frame left. The ad described it as being in pretty good condition, which the bed is, but that was about the only thing that was good on the truck. Guess I'll have to keep looking.