Cherokee Donor Swap Questions

[GirsMJ86]

Just looking for opinions and answers about what I mention here. I already know all the stuff that will be needed to make a 4.0L fit into an '86, and I'm not interested at all in doing the 3.4L or any other swap since the main competitor to going with a 4.0L is going diesel which requires more than I want to get into.

 

Anyways, I have a few questions since I basically plan on gutting the MJ of it's drive train and wiring and swapping everything over from the XJ. I don't see why this would be a problem, but maybe someone can clue me in on some stuff I might have overlooked. I'd be grabbing the engine, tranny, t-case, gauges, HVAC, computer, etc... The MJ would just be a husk, keeping the '96 and older nose and the factory '86 interior, getting everything mechanical/electrical transplanted from the XJ. I'd be buying the XJ and driving it until I had the time/funds to do the swap, and to make sure there wouldn't be any issues with the drive train before having the swap done since I don't plan on rebuilding.

 

If there aren't any big issues with doing that, then I figure a '96 is my best choice since it would be the last year for the older front clip and interior so I would have everything I would need in one go and nothing too different that would require finding another rig to yank parts off of. 

 

My other choice is grabbing a '00 or so for the lower miles. The problem with this is I don't want the 97+ front clip or interior so I'd have to salvage the front clip parts and gauges off another vehicle and even then I'm not sure if the older '96 style gauges would work with the '00 drive train.

 

I'm leaning towards the '96 since everything I would need for the swap is right there. Lower mileage would be nice but I suppose I could solve that with a rebuild either before the swap or down the road.

 

One thing that concerns me though is the airbags. Would swapping all the the electronics over but keeping the stock MJ interior make the computer throw a fit since there wouldn't be any airbags at all?

 

Other stuff I've stupidly overlooked? I'm probably jumping the gun since the only thing wrong with this rig is the 2.8L, otherwise it's just what I want in a non-Eliminator MJ. So I'm sure I've overlooked some thing(s).

 

I suppose the easiest route would be to find a 4.0L LWB 4x4 rig as close to stock as possible and swapping in my black interior, roll bar, and all that... but I live in the absolute wrong state for that option. XJs on the other hand are everywhere.

[HOrnbrod]

The plan is sound, but I'd opt for a 95XJ donor. The 96 was the first year for OBD2, and they could be problematic electrically.

[Eagle]

I would opt for a '94. No air bag. Two problems eliminated. The difference between a '94, '95 and '96 is going to be more a question of what you can find -- they are ALL pretty old by most people's standards.

[HOrnbrod]

I would opt for a '94. No air bag. Two problems eliminated. The difference between a '94, '95 and '96 is going to be more a question of what you can find -- they are ALL pretty old by most people's standards.

 

Agree with the 95XJ. 92-94XJs are okay too. Forgot about the 96's airbag.

[87sparTruck]

I wouldn't rule out the 97+.  You might find a deal on one.  If somebody on here wants to do a swap/buy you could trade for fenders, etc.

[FrankTheDog]

95 and 96 are nearly identical, both have airbags and they have the newer style seat mounts.

The 96 is mostly a 95 with a 2nd O2 sensor and obd2 computer.

I've had 3 now and electrically they've been fine.

Would probably work good if you also swapped in a 96 or so dakota fuel tank and pump.

Just guessing there.

[64 Cheyenne]

The 95 airbag is all in the steering column, no link to the computer.
I know this because I junked a 95, found I could use an older column without airbag

and no computer issues. Besides the airbag in the 95 is pure fugly.