- Location
- Payson, UT
tl;dr- Looking at auto swapping my NV3550 to an auto trans. I'd like feedback and experiences. 
Long story short, I've had my TJ since late 2008, and have wheeled with the stock NV3550, originally with the NP231, then a TeraLow 231HD, then 4.3 Atlas, and now currently a 5.0 Atlas. On my most recent trip to SH this weekend while on Twister and some side obstacles on Unforgiven and the Maze where I have seemingly found the limitations to the 5-speed, especially when it is slow and technical, and managing 3 pedals got to be quite the nuisance. One of the bonus lines on The Maze stands out where I pushed in the clutch completely mid-obstacle, unloaded the drivetrain and subsequently slid off my line. The rig shifted, falling ~3-4 vertical feet. I'll attach a video in a following post.
Fast forward to now, where I am looking at swapping in an auto trans. I haven't wheeled one for almost 20 years and at that point I was green-at-wheeling teenager, and even since then I haven't dug too deep into autos since the lower t-cases solved my apparent problems til now. I am open to feedback or considerations as I work through this process.
I want simplicity, and relatively straightforward install. While a trans with OD would be nice, it's definitely not necessary as its trailered and hasn't seen a freeway in years. I'm leaning towards a 32RH from a similar model year of TJ. It appears to be more or less R&R, and maybe an ECM flash for torque converter lockup. Open to options this point from those who know more than myself.
I am looking for feedback and considerations to keep in mind as I start to identify a game plan.
Long story short, I've had my TJ since late 2008, and have wheeled with the stock NV3550, originally with the NP231, then a TeraLow 231HD, then 4.3 Atlas, and now currently a 5.0 Atlas. On my most recent trip to SH this weekend while on Twister and some side obstacles on Unforgiven and the Maze where I have seemingly found the limitations to the 5-speed, especially when it is slow and technical, and managing 3 pedals got to be quite the nuisance. One of the bonus lines on The Maze stands out where I pushed in the clutch completely mid-obstacle, unloaded the drivetrain and subsequently slid off my line. The rig shifted, falling ~3-4 vertical feet. I'll attach a video in a following post.
Fast forward to now, where I am looking at swapping in an auto trans. I haven't wheeled one for almost 20 years and at that point I was green-at-wheeling teenager, and even since then I haven't dug too deep into autos since the lower t-cases solved my apparent problems til now. I am open to feedback or considerations as I work through this process.
I want simplicity, and relatively straightforward install. While a trans with OD would be nice, it's definitely not necessary as its trailered and hasn't seen a freeway in years. I'm leaning towards a 32RH from a similar model year of TJ. It appears to be more or less R&R, and maybe an ECM flash for torque converter lockup. Open to options this point from those who know more than myself.
I am looking for feedback and considerations to keep in mind as I start to identify a game plan.
- I understand TH350/400/700R4 are options, but not terribly interested at this point due to the added complexity with assumed adapter plates . Unless there is serious flaws with the 32RH, these don't seem worth the hassle behind a bone stock 4.0.
- AW4 is not ideal because wiring needed for it to work and added drivetrain length.
- Will I be hating life if I have a 5.0 Atlas behind any auto?
- Any benefit from a custom converter?
- Manual valve body? Reverse manual valve body?
- Other things I need to keep in mind?
