swapping trannies

ok i got a '88 mj with the 5 speed 2x4. the engine is a HO model. and i have a non HO 88 xj with the automatic, i want to put the auto and t-case in the mj, is it as easy as swapping the two or is there lots of other stuff, like electronics that are different, im pretty much an amateur at this, but im stepping up and trying to learn.

ive allready torn off the lower dash in both and noiticed different electronic modules. the xj had a yellow amc box on the d-side, and a aison warner box on the p-side. mj has some stuff that looks like vacume lines on the p-side where the aison warner box would go.

also im changing the front axle which shouldnt be to hard. but one other question. the mj is a short bed will the xj driveshafts be the correct length.

basically i can drop and install the same tranny but is there a lot more involved in swapping the 2. i hope im not over my head here...

thanks for any help in advance

there will be electronics to swap.

the yellow AMC box is cruise control

the silver aisin box is the transmission control unit (definitely need that)

the front XJ shaft will work, the rear will not.

It's certainly possible, but could be a real pain in the butt. Before you get into it any further, get your hands on a set of '89 factory shop manuals (at least the electrical one). As far as I can tell, 89 was the first year for a more "modern" manual. (I think Chrysler had something to do with the change.) A 90 would most likely work also. I have an 89 and have used it extensively on my 88 Comanche.
At the very least you'll need to splice in the TCU. You say the MJ's engine is HO, exactly what all was changed in the wiring harness to acommodate that? ECU? Gauges? The AW-4 didn't change much over the years, so at the worst you might need a TCU that fits with the H.O. ECU if you have one in the MJ.
Run some searches through the archives. I know other's have talked about a manual to auto switch. If you can find out who, they might be your best source of info.
Jeep on!
--Pete

1990 electrical manuals on eBay right now:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34224&item=2425658409
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34224&item=2425798575
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34224&item=2426117762
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34224&item=2426106510

well think i may have a profesional do the tranny swap, but im still gonna do the front axle swap and install the lift. mostly cause i have to do all the work in a parking lot. thanks for the responses.

One thing you'll need to replace on that non HO transmission for use with an HO motor is the throttle kickdown cable. The non HO will be too short.

It's simple once you remove the trans pan. The end of the cable has the barrel like a bicycle brake cable.

Are you converting to 4WD by chance? I'm doing the same thing, but can't comment on the trannies..I'm keeping mine manual. I was finally able to start working on mine this past weekend (it's 300 miles away from me, but that's another story....)
The front axle swap is easily doable if you have a good floor jack and jackstands. With my brother's help, we had mine swapped out in a little over an hour and a half. I'm going to put up a post later on today on what we did so far, and keep updating the board on progress, but PM or EM me if you have any questions I don't cover.
It seems like enough folks are interested in the 2WD>4WD conversion, so I'm going to keep notes and maybe some pics as I do mine. Hopefully it will be a help for someone....
Jeff