67rway

For what it's worth, I have the original 1996 FSM and all the detailed wiring diagrams are for a RHD vehicle. Not much help. I did my 88 to 96 conversion by replacing everything electrical on the 88 with that from the 96. That did mean identifying the source wiring from the 96 to the interior lights (which remained), and adjusting the wiring length to the tail lights (where it involved adding additional bulbs to the housings). The alternative is to pinout each wire in the harness to it's source, tag it, and use the 88 diagram to match it up. I began this way, and bailed on it for the above plan.

There are reasons for this swap, but I can tell you first hand (and very fresh) that you'll need to answer Cruiser's question above before it can be justified. Popular wisdom here is generally opposed, but here's a short list of why I did it: - had a cheap complete good running 96 with a wrecked body - my 88 had the BA10, and I wanted the AW4 - swapped the front axle (disconnect) - swapped to 4X4 - swapped the A/C from the XJ, so the dash was coming out anyway - prefer the open cooling system - was taking the brake/booster assembly - yep, the complete HO powerplant is more than a few hp stronger than than Renix combo above, and they run better (donning flak jacket) - I prefer the OBD2 diagnostics, and I have a DRB3 Your mechanic better be really cheap, because the complete swap takes time. LOTS of time. I completely stripped all the mechanical, electrical, and dash from the donor XJ, did the same to the MJ, than built the MJ with the XJ parts. Ultimately, I'd be hard pressed to say I'd do it again despite the fact that I enjoy doing such swaps. Let me know if you (or your mechanic) have specific questions I can help answer.

More FWIW (this time from a newbie here)... the 96 system has the benefit of OBD2 without the issues associated with the 'enhanced' emissions systems integrated in 97.

Yes, you can install a 96 column/airbag wheel, but it does require a wiring connector change (or whole dash harness), a slight shortening of the actual steering shaft (~1/2 inch), modification or elimination of the two metal support rods which go from the drivers kick panel wall to the column mount, and the redrilling of one of the firewall holes. I just did this in my 88, and went the whole harness route as I changed all the mechanical/electrical/hvac to the 96 HO system.

So, I picked up this 88 Pioneer short bed, 4.0l, BA-10, 2wd, as I’ve always thought they were cool and I’ve already had more than my share of XJ’s and Yj’s. Yep, I like Jeeps. This low mileage MJ came to with old decals that took days to remove, a list of water leaks (and floor metal damage/replacement), a bench seat (now MJ buckets), and a well worn truck bed. Plans for it began as a simple 4x4 upgrade, and an automatic cause I’m old and need I need my wife to be willing to drive it sometimes. That last point led me to add A/C to the list, and by the time you’re shopping for a front axle, t-case, auto trans, and A/C, you may as well buy a parts car… So, I picked up a 96 XJ. It has the added benefit of the center console, and preferred brake unit too! At this point the Comanche engine/trans are out, the 96 front axle is in, an MJ 3.55 rear axle is in, and the Cherokee is very close to being stripped of everything I think I'll want or might need. Now I’m at a cross-roads… my inclination is to swap over the entire 96 4.0l HO drivetrain and OBD2 system. Based on what I’ve read that might mean swapping the steering column and underdash wiring, and figure out how to handle the fuel pump/sender. I’ve carefully read Cruiser54’s threads on keeping the Renix system, which sounds sensible, but by the time you’ve got the AW4 wiring, A/C wiring, etc. I have to think the step to OBD2 won’t be that much more work. I’m very open to input/ideas, and would much appreciate hearing from others who went down the OBD2 path. Thanks for reading.