I have a 87 base model mj with a on the colum shifter and I'm trying to change to on the floor. I was planning on buying a 97+ xj shifter on it. But I was wondering if the cable from a 97+ xj with for on the tranny of my 4.0

 

I believe the 97+ shifter will work for you, just the dash, steering column, etc are completely different. Do a little research on manual-auto swaps for where to put the hole for the shifter cable.

 

You need a renix cable. The cables in the mid 90s were shorter and went through a hole that is not existing on your firewall...it is behind the ecm above your gas pedal about 2" to the outside of the vehicle from the cps location...not very accessible unless you have a right angle drill and a step bit. If you ha e those tools, then you should switch to the newer cable. The linkage on the trans is the same.

 

If it's the TF A904 3spd auto, easiest thing is to get a ratchet shifter like the B&M sport truck one. Comes with console, shifter and cables.