how hard is it to go from a manual tranny to an auto? and what would it take?

 

Can I ask why you would want to do that?

 

I agree, I made my car a manual because I hate autos in my toys How many V8 5spd Thunderbirds have you seen
Generally you just need the trans controller and wiring drive shafts and switch shifters. Pretty straight forward, might I suggest upgrading to a newer engine management system.

 

Not to mention 5spds tend to last forever

 

As long as you know what the clutch is for and how to use it, also very very easy to rebuild.

 

Lolz, and if you are super special you can drive a stick with minimal to no grinding if the clutch goes out. ask me how I know.

I'm actually looking forward to gaining the knowledge of rebuilding a 5spd once I kill my first.

 

I gotta agree that I always prefer a 5-speed tranny in my vehicles. But my XJ is only the second automatic I have owned and the AW4 is a great transmission. It shifts smooth and downshifts nice and quick. It may not last as long as an AX-15 might last, but these little wutos can last lot longer than most. Not a five speed but it gets the job done.

Also the advantages of an automatic offroad are hard to ignore. Torque multiplication from the torque converter moving the vehicle from a halt. No risk of stalling. Both hands are free and available for steering (or one for steering, and one for hanging on!). It's alot easier to use both the gas and the brake when climbing or crawling. Above all, you left leg isn't tired and sore the next day from playin the clutch in and out all day while wheelin.

 

I vote 5spd. If I had the time/money mine would be!

 

Yes, but having a 5spd has its definite benefits while wheeling too. most of the time you're in 1st, so both hands are free to steer/hold on. If your feet are quick enough the whole gas/brake/clutch issue isn't a problem. Not stalling comes as a result of practice and knowing how to feather the clutch or give it more gas

 

Very true, with experience a manual can be very useful off road. The immediate throttle reponse is great too. I guess the best way to sum it up is that the auto is just easier. Get in, press go pedal. I would never actually get rid of a manual to swap to an auto though. All I'm sayin is that they can be tolerated, even enjoyed, on the trail. I've been keepin my eye out for a good 2WD 2dr 5spd 4.0L XJ for a street build, on the street there is no substitute for a manual. It's just plain better!

 

I've been following this post because Im thinking of doing the same swap (5sp to Auto). What about the trans computer and TPS etc... I'm also guessing the trans computer somehow sends a signal to the computer. Or is it as easy as swapping out trans, shifter, and pedals?

 

There is no trans computer in a 5spd. meaning if you go from manual to auto you have to install the TCU and make sure it and everything else is hooked up right. I still can't understand why anyone would want to swap an auto in place of a perfectly good AX-15, and please don't start any wining about it being a daily driver and not wanting to shift. I live downtown in the City, my Jeep is a 5spd, I have had to sit in traffic with it before so I know what its like, stop signs every block? we have em. I still will choose a 5spd over an auto because if my starter or battery dies, I just need to get a couple ppl to push me and I'm on my way.

 

Actually at the ripe old age of 45 Im starting to get arthritis which gets bad enough some days I have trouble shifting

 

Well I have a question, anyone have any info about doing this in reverse, I have an AW4 and want a NV3550.

 

Well if any of you wierd dudes transfer to an auto. Ill buy your 5 spd. I got an auto and want a 5 spd. I got a 4.0l I6 and would like to go to a manual. How hard is that to cut a hole to line it all up?