Make sure to use the Jeep Wrangler 1/2 door handles, none of the others will work.
I have heard both- regarding swapping sides and some saying you don't have to and I have also heard that the rod retaining clip needs to be flipped over however. (That's all, that's a matter of popping the plastic clip out, flip it over, and pop it back in).
Just look them over real good and compare them to your originals.
I personally haven't had to change my handles out yet, I try to keep everything lubed up really good.
But when I do I will be going for the Jeep 1/2 door handles too.