'95 zj and '88 mj compatibility

[bmurray7]

I'm thinking about replacing a 2.5L & 4-speed manual in an '88 Comanche 2wd with a 4.0L engine & auto transmission from a 1995 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4wd. I'm wondering how compatible this swap will be as well as the electrical components, a/c parts, 4wd etc. 

[Pete M]

more or less everything is in a different place and there would be a lot of custom fab work to mount everything.    an XJ Cherokee would work much better. 

[The86manche]

14 hours ago, Pete M said:

more or less everything is in a different place and there would be a lot of custom fab work to mount everything.    an XJ Cherokee would work much better. 

I wouldn't say necessarily true. A/c compressor is located in the same place between the xj and zj and the 4.0 is virtually the same with sensors and mounts (depending on the year)

The trans might be another story, and the wiring for sure..

 

[Pete M]

the entire body is different.  the entire firewall is different.  everything that mounts to the body/firewall will bedifferent.    I'm not saying it's impossible, but I wanted to make sure the OP knows it's not a shared-platform like the Cherokee. 

[omega_rugal]

too much work, you gonna have to cut, splice and patch a lot of wires... also the 42RE transmision is crap

[bmurray7]

Thanks everyone for your input, i will take your advice and find something that matches up better.