hello
I currently have a 1987 2dr 4x4 4.0L jeep cherokee laredo and a 1989 4dr 4x4 4.0L jeep cherokee, neither of them run, the 2dr because i tipped it on its side, and the 4dr because it has like 500k on it and its rusted and it sucks.. anyways ive managed to get a hold of someone who is going to sell me his 1989 2dr 4x4 4.0L jeep cherokee xj, the only thing is is that he's taking the transfer case and drive shafts out. So my question is will i be able to put either on of my transfer cases and drive shafts from either one of my jeeps and install it into this new one? or will the gear ratio or something be different?

 

The gear ratio of the axles won't affect the operation of the T/C and the drive shafts should fit. The only time they wouldn't is if one is an auto and the other is a manual.
If the diff yokes T/C yokes are different on the new one just pull them along with the driveshafts and change them out.

 

how would i be able to tell what kind of transfer case I have? is there a serial number or anything on the case?

 

yeah on the transfer case itself it should have a circular badge with a screw in the middle, if you clear off the mud it should be labeled New Process and stamped on it should be the transfer case model, most likely 231 or 242J avoid the 204 transfer case (would be in the 87 XJ) as its 2.61:1

as far as compatibility i think the only headaches will come from if it were a stick and the new one is automatic... then its a just try and see if it fits...

now i believe the drive-trains are the same length on the 2 doors and 4 doors. so you should be able to swap transfer case and driveshafts from either one of your jeeps.