I have a 1998 grand cherokee laredo that has the 6cyl 4.0L in it and I was wondering if anyone has done an automatic to manual transmission swap on it before. Also how easy/difficult it would be.

 

I haven't done it, but it can be done. You're biggest problem with the 98 is it will throw a CEL since the PCM will be looking for a automatic. If the CEL isn't going to be a problem then go for it. If it's gonna be a dd you'd be better off finding a 93 or 94 to do the swap with. And if you get a 93/4 limited you get all the bells and whistles that come with those with the swap. Those are the only years that had a manual option and won't throw a code with the manual in. That being said, I looked into it with my ZJ and most things are a direct fit. You can get most of the stuff off rock auto (clutch kit, flywheel, master/slave cylinder, pilot bearing, trans mount). There's some cutting you have to do around the shift plate where it goes through the floor and you'll need to find a clutch pedal assembly. Finding the pedal assembly will most likely be the hardest part. I've heard some XJ years might work with minor fabrication if you're handy.

 

Im in the process of doing that, I got a 94 donor XJ for all the parts.