JPOR: Re: AW4 in a YJ??

[Larry Soo <lars@xxxxxxxxx>]

Paul W. wrote:

>Besides getting the computer to work in the YJ harness (probabaly not TOO
>difficult since you'd just have to rob some more stuff from the same donor XJ
>that surrenders it's tranny), there is the issue of why Jeep didn't use the
>AW-4 in the Wranglers to begin with... LENGTH.  The AW-4 is a long tranny. 
>Since you run a Dana 300 t-case in yours, it's probably less of an issue, but
>something to consider anyway.  You'll also have to be sure to get a late
model
>AW-4 with a 23 spline output shaft.  I don't know just when they changed, but
>earlier AW-4's (to some time in the 90's) are 21 spline.

Good tip, I didn't know that.  James Blair says the AW-4 is 2.5" longer
than the TF999 so I can afford losing that much driveshaft.

>If you're thinking about a V8 or a stroked 4.0L now or in the future, you
might
>also want to reconsider using the AW-4, since AA doesn't recommend them
for V8
>swaps and even Jeep uses a different auto behind the V8 ZJ/WJ.

Actually, I wasn't considering a V8 because of the poor fuel economy.  The
4.0L has enough power for my purposes.

>I think Mike's right... time for that V8 swap and a matching OD auto.  You
>could easily adapt an AMC V8/727 combo to that D300 with OEM Jeep parts...
or a
>Mopar V8 with one of the 4-speed Mopar autos.

Grand Cherokee V8s are going for $1000 (about US$600) up here but I don't
know how much the yard is selling trannies for.  In any case, I don't want
this to drag on and I know it will if I turn it into a "big project."  Odds
are that I will just get my TF999 rebuilt but I wanted to explore the AW-4
option, first.



...lars