use the 96 compressor with your Gen I condensor and AC box (heater box)
If I want AC in my BII all I have to do is mount my original 1988 condensor in front of my radiator, and have some custom lines made from compressor to condensor and compressor to AC box
However AC is overrated in a chop top BII, so my compressor (1997.5 Explorer 5.0L will become on board air and I will swap out my AC box for a non AC heater box someday
KEEP YOUR GEN I DASH AND AC system etc, thats my vote
The wiring you will have to figure out, its not as hard as you think, but it does take time , research and wiring books
Leave the battery where it is, use your 94 style alternator and charging system
basically all you want from the 96 is the V8, trans, computer, engine and transmission wiring. You will remove your 94 4.0L computer and engine/trans wiring , LEAVING your 94 style power distribution box. Then adapt the 96 wiring into your 94 power box, and splice the 96 wires that need to on the truck side of things (leave the 94 style plugs at firewall)
add a OBD-2 port and a fuel tank pressure sensor
retain your 94 fuel system, emissions, etc
Thats how I do it, as you can see from my LONG and windy 5.0L conversion thread
take notes! seriously I have boxes of notes