TRANNY SWAP would it work?

Ford Prefect

Registered User
Location
Provo, Ut
I am just wondering if this would mate up or not, and what I would have to do other than just taking out the old and putting in the new.

I have an 84 CJ-7 I6 with a 5 speed (T-5 I think) and I want to put in a 1990 Jeep cherokee auto trans with overdrive (I do not know what engine). I am pretty sure it is an AW4 tranny. Sadly I just do not have the knowledge to know for sure if it would work.

I need to know if it willbolt up to the engine, and if it will bolt up to the T-CASE (dana 300)

Thanks all!
 
Last edited:

mbryson

.......a few dollars more
Supporting Member
The AW4 is a great tranny. It is managed by it's own computer. If you are willing to tackle that, I think you'll be in good shape {not rocket science, but kinda}. If I remember correctly, the AW4 was offered in 21 and 23 spline output versions (depending on XJ source year 87-90 and '91-'01 are kind of the accepted cut off years, but in the cross-over area, be prepared to find whatever). The 231 and D300 patterns are similar if not exactly the same so a little drilling (worst case) and you're in business there.


If I were doing the swap into a CJ, I'd probably just snag a wrecked XJ and take the 4.0L/AW4/transfer case and wiring harness. However, I'd think alot about a small block Chevy swap with a 700R4 (Novak has a great adapter/input shaft for the D300--very reasonable $$$) as there's a lot of aftermarket support for that. Then there's always the 5.0L Ford. From what I understand, that will bolt to your bellhousing and you could worry about the tranny swap later.
 

DaveB

Long Jeep Fan
Location
Holladay, Utah
The aw4 needs the control computer as mentioned in the previous post but also needs an adapter to fit to the d300. The bolt patterns are the same but the input seal on the 300 hits the output seal of the aw4. The adapter is about 7/8 inch thick and also clocks the d300 up. I put an 4.0/aw4/d300 combo into my 84 cj8.
Dave
 

Ford Prefect

Registered User
Location
Provo, Ut
Any idea what the difference in length would be? I would not want to have to get into new shafts and such as well.

I did think about doing all of that, but the wires and such scare me a bit, and the 4.0 just seems as though the cost would be more, at this time, than I would like to think about.

I was hoping that I could just get in and get out in an afternoon or three, and about 200 bucks.

Brian
(the ever delusional... :rolleyes: )
 

bobdog

4x4 Addict!
Location
Sandy
If I wanted an auto and wanted to keep the 258 I would look into a 727 and then deal with the front driveline clearance issues after. Way better tranny than a AW4 and if I have read right no adapters needed. Next choice would simply be the Auto used in the same vintage CJs. I second the V8 and tranny to match suggestion also.
 
Top