BULLETMAKER: Whew! Did my '79 AMC Model 17 RMS during lunch-time, stock tires, on my back on a concrete floor. Don't really see much difference with the 4.0. What was your hang-up(s), minor, and major? Removing oil pan due to Stock suspension, or is your XJ lifted? Removing RMS, or installing? Inquiring minds want to know, lol.
8MUD: Older 'feller in my area had a going business of repairs/parts covering most of the pre XJ models. I could go up to the counter, and obtain say: a head light switch, some clips for the internal tail gate window components, distributor bushing, alternator regulator, etc., etc., without waiting days for NAPA to order them, etc. However he began to obtain some early XJ parts in an attempt to keep up with the times. He was really torqued about one early XJ with a distributor mounted on the back of the engine, up against the firewall with all sorts of hoses, tubings, wires, etc., that made the rather simple distributor maintenance a night-mare for him. He pointed that all out to me, and asked me how long did I think it would take to really get to it.., he told me it was an hour. Figured I'd avoid that model. Can't remember if it was a V-6, or straight, but at that time.., I was almost certain I would never get an XJ.., LOL.
Anyway, perhaps if you visit, or drive through a small mountain/valley burg with some Jeep shop, someone there might have that small part getting dusty on a back shelf, and just might sell you that coveted RMS you speak of. Then what? Are you implying that you might be able to steer us towards a method of obtaining them?
Seems Ben824 is one who would...