Spencer_P

So I’ve kinda been on the look out for a parts Jeep to 4x4 swap my Cherokee and I was contacting someone about getting a few parts because he was parting out, or he wants $500 for the whole thing, but it’s a 94 and mine is a 96. It’s complete except the engine. Can any one tell me how much of the needed parts will swap over? I know 96 had some changes, my main concern is wiring. Also it only has 135xxx miles and mine has 139xxx.

Red1992XJ

Just to clarify, you have a 96 jeep that is 2wd, and you want to swap parts from the 94 4wd to make your 96 a 4x4?

Spencer_P

Correct, sorry for the longwinded question.

ipconfig

I swapped the transmission, transfer case, and front axle out of a 89 into a 96. The only issue I had was the speedo cable and had to splice it.

Spencer_P

Has anyone done this or know of a reason why it wouldn't work?

Spencer_P

So going off of that, if anything 94 would be easier than 89 I would think anyway

Jeepwalker

Is the 96 an OBD2 vehicle? As I understand it some early 96's may have been OBD1. Determining if they are the same or different OBD systems would be a key place to start. I haven't done swaps between the two systems, so I'll let others who have provide specific feedback.

What's preventing you from putting an engine into the 'parts' 4x4 rather than trying to switch the 4x4 over to the 96? Personally, I'd wait for the next 'parts' rig so the systems were matching ...just to have an extra, spare set of computer control parts when you need them rather than try to mash-up two into one. Parts XJs come up all the time around here, just wait a couple weeks. Ha ha!

Spencer_P

I believe mine is OBD1, how can I confirm? Mine was made in September of 95 I believe. As for putting an engine is this one he says its super rusty whereas mines pretty clean, also I like my 96 . I'm not really in a hurry to get a parts jeep however when I first started looking it was common to find parts jeeps for $400-$600 (complete with some problem and usually higher milage) but over the last year they've steadily increased in price and don't pop up as often. Also this one just checks the boxes (as long as it will actually work) price, low miles, 4x4, no engine. So yes ideally I'd have another 96 but I rarely see another 96 for sale, let alone one worthy of being a parts jeep.

ipconfig

I would think so. I did it all in 1 day as most is just manual labor.

Spencer_P

kudos to you haha, I don't think I could pull that off

Jeepwalker

Well then yours could well be an OBD-1 vehicle. If you look under the dash, do you see an OBD-2 diagnostic service plug? It's trapezoidal looking (like modern vehicles have). Just do a Google search how to tell the differences. I would think if you did a search for you question on Google, you'll get a more detailed answer. The only thing I'm not sure about is the trans and control module, but I'm sure with some searching you can come up with an answer fairly quick. Or someone here who's done it may know the answer. I've worked on both, but not tried swapping parts. Sorry. Other than that, most 'hard' 4x4 parts should swap over I would think. If they are both OBD-1 then you'd have a much easier job of it.

00t444e

OBD 1 or 2 doesn't matter the only thing electrical that you need to worry about for the swap is wiring in the switch on the transfer case if you want the 4x4 light to come on. You will have to swap the transmission, transfer case, front axles and driveshafts. According to this info 94 and 96 AW4s are direct swaps. https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970

awg

Check if you have the OBD2 port in your '96

94 and 96 are very compatible, if you have an OBD2 '96 (should be)...even then the engine themselves will be compatible, just not PCM, engine wiring etc

lawsoncl

Yeah, OBD1/2 shouldn't matter. Assuming he's not swapping auto for manual or vice versa, the transmision should be a straight swap as well. If it's an auto, the NSS should be the same, so no need to risk breaking it by trying to swap them, unless you want to disassembly and clean it while it's more accessible. As mentioned, I think the only snag will be the wiring for the speedo being in the xfer case instead of the trans tailcone and the 4x4 lightswitch.

Jeepwalker

Are the 94 OBD1 and 96 OBD2 TCM's compatible? Just curious. Never tried to swap before

Thanks,