Swapping different motor type = swapping different tranny and x-case, most likely... and you were talking about swapping in a solid axle before anyway. With such an undertaking I am thinking donor vehicle(s). Which vehicle though? hmm... I think an inline six would be too long for the VX, so Wranglers and Cherokees might be out. The best rig in my opinion would be an S-10 4x4; 4.3 V6, 700R4 or 4L60-E, NP231 = lots of hop-up potential and parts availablity in a reasonably inexpensive package! To keep things emission legal, you would have to do your research, but I think you would need an engine the same year as yours or newer - I could be wrong though. You seemed to be fond of Toyotas though, so maybe a rolled pick up or 4-Runner will present itself. Either way, it is hard to come by a decent solid axle 4x4, the right size, with fuel injection, and for cheap, so you may be swapping in an axle from a different truck anyway, if you are going that route. It depends how crazy you want to get and how handy you and/or your friends are and $$$; but you have lots-o-options if you get creative. Otherwise, you might just consider following the KISS method and just swap in another 3.5L and concentrate on bodywork. I saw a 2nd gen Troop for $1500 yesterday - no guarantees on engine life in any scenario though man. I wish you luck and don't let this project get you down! My CJ-5 has been growing and evolving ever since I took it apart 8 years ago... probably shouldn't have told you that...