Yes, manual and auto tcases are the same. You will need to replace it with a tcase from an 89-95 tcase though, because in 96 they changed the output shaft spline count.
It is easier to remove the tranny, in order to remove the tcase, IMO. If you have a manual tranny, you have to take the tranny shifter tower off, because there is a hidden bolt underneath it, and the tcase won't come off, without it being removed.