Okay just an update. I got pretty lucky. The recline motor is actually not part of the zj frame. The motor is located in the seat itself. So i can just run a hot wire and ground, crisis averted. I tested it with a dewalt portable tool battery. Good tip from that install post earlier.

 

 

Those look to be in great shape! Nice find!!!

 

So many seat threads I didn't really want to start a new one, but if enough people yell at me I will. To the OP....sounds like you went through enough research you might be able to help me out. Of course if you're reading this and can chime in please do! I deliver mail in a 96, I need a solid seat for my 70 mile route. I am only concerned with the driver seat, which is on the right hand side. It is a power leather seat, and I need to get rid of it because the cushioning is gone, and I need a little more width for my sweet tush. I've got lower back problems as well.

At this point I'm fairly comfortable looking for some Grand Cherokee seats and just confirming some dimensions and going for it. But I feel I might be better off in the long run not having power seats, as I don't want to deal with the motor that I feel like is already straining to work. Or maybe the Grand Cherokee seat has its own motor and I can make that work? Anyway, what am I looking at if I want to take a manual Grand Cherokee seat and replace my power XJ seat? I am also hoping by doing this that the seat will stay lower so I don't lose head room. I have an inch to spare as it is right now. Thanks!