chev 350

can i fit a chevy 350 into a 2 door xj, 4cl, 2.5 and will it bolt to the transmition i curently have.

I would say it would fit in the engine compartment, plenty of room, but with motor mount,cooling modifications as well as having to change fuel delivery, and the transmission too!

would i have to get a new trans?

scuba is correct. You will need a matching chevy transmission (automatic is much easier to install). It will fit but be prepared to fabricate just about everything, including engine and transmission mounts, drive shaft, exhaust system, wiring harness etc.
The air cleaner will be interesting, you may need to fabricate a hood scoop for clearance.
Also you will need stiffer front springs, a set from a 4.0 L six should do.

I had a friend that put a chev 305 in an older wrangler and it matched up with the trans pretty nice, he only had to but new mounts and fabricate a few parts, It might be easier with a 305 but not I'm not 100% sure.

Check out Advance Adapters, they make all sorts of parts for swaps like this. 305 or 350 shouldn't make a difference, they are both Chevy small blocks.

It would be a tricky install, and I would think it would tear up the drivetrain fairly quickly.

Thax