It could be inumerous things, first thing I would check is if there is fuel in the tank, as stupid as it sounds, its possible, if there is you can have someone turn the key to on and see if you can hear the fuel pump kicking inside the gas tank, if you can, then you want to check for spark.
modual
The PCM (engine computer) provides the power.
It will bolt in, but the intake on the 1996 is different and the cylinder head on the 1996 does not have the temp sensor for the gauge in the same location.
156,000 miles
If it is the same as my Cherokee it will be on the top of the transmission on the driver side right behind where the engine and transmission join.
The back of the ignition key cylinder is probably broken.
23.0 Gallons
IF TURNING OVER BUT NO START TRY CRANK SENSOR There is no spartk.
do you have gas in the tank
1996
6 cylinder is 153624. the distributer turns clockwise 8 cylinder is 18436572 the distributer turns clockwise
it will fit but the electronics in it are different so no