I know that the Trooper base model for a number of years maybe 97-2002? had manual trannies as options and using one of these is the best way to go, and prior to that the old 3.2 had a manual option for all models. The VX was also made to accept the manual. I know the body and engine are plug and play. Where i lose technical data and knowledge is transfer case to tranny. They should bolt up, but the TOD sensors may be a hassle. Good luck if you try it! If no other way is possible, a simple TOD bypass with manually selectable modes may be the way to go here, as this would bypass all those finicky sensors and not lose AWD. Good Luch if you try it. You will have found the holy grail of VXdom!