I have 2 '85's both with 4.9l 300 c.i. inlines. One is an auto with 4x4, the other is a granny 4 speed straight stick. Is it possible without alot of problems to swap the 4x4 or the tranny? Which would be easier and less problems?

 

Does the 4x4 have a divorced transfer case? If the auto has the transfer case attached to it, the manual will not have the same provision. Without that issue it's hard to imagine one less problematic than the other, but I'd give swapping the transmission and linkage a shot over moving the drivetrain.