Transmission swap
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 195
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
you'll probably run into electrical problems - wrong tranny control module in the '97 for the older tran?. not to say it can't be done, i'm niether great at electrical nor transmission issues, just know what i've read in the past - some one else will drop by with definitive info...
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CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Well I am able to pick up a 97 2wd but want it to be built back like my 89 4wd. Does anyone know if it can be done and give me some info on how to make it work.
Thanks
Frankie
Thanks
Frankie
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,433
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
The spline count wont match up. 89 would be a 21 spline, 97 would be 23. Not to mention the 89 has a standalone TCU, and the 97 uses a TCU integrated into the Engine computer.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Ok I was just doing a little reading. I am not the best with transmission stuff. But can you just add transfer case to a 2wd Transmission? Like can I just put my 89 transfer case on the 98 2wd Transmission? Or is there were I will have a 21 23 spline issue?
Last edited by 89whiteXJ; Feb 17, 2010 at 11:06 PM.
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,433
Likes: 71
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
This is what I found...
- The earlier Jeep AW4 has a 21 spline output shaft for connecting to the transfer case input shaft.
- With the release of the HO 4.0L in the 1991 the AW4 was upgraded to a 23 spline output shaft.
Tech tips
If you own a 21 spline NP231 and you want to swap in a 23 spline transmission, you can either look for a cheap 23 spline NP231 at the junk yard or go to your local Jeep Parts Dealer and order up a new input shaft part #5300-6085. This is the part you need to convert your NP231 to 23 spline input.
If you own a 21 spline NP231 and you want to swap in a 23 spline transmission, you can either look for a cheap 23 spline NP231 at the junk yard or go to your local Jeep Parts Dealer and order up a new input shaft part #5300-6085. This is the part you need to convert your NP231 to 23 spline input.
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Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I see and thank you. I actually just found some pages that say that same thing. I will see what I can find then maybe I will still buy the 97 Cherokee
CF Veteran
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,433
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Good point, I didnt think about that. 97 would use a digital speedometer output, instead of mechanical. The 89 Tcase will have vaccum outputs for the vaccum disconnect, not used in 97. I wounder if you could find a cheap 97 tcase at a junkyard? (np242 would be nice)
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 1
From: Jacksonville, FL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I thought the np231 was stronger. I have heard that it is much better. I have to go to the junk yard anyway so, maybe I will go sunday and see what they want for one. If I can even find one. Thank you for all your help.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 10,433
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Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
According to the NV naming process, the 242 is stronger.
231:
2 - high and low
3- Strength level 3
1- Part time
242:
2- High and Low
4- Strength level 4
2- Full Time
But its your jeep, so whatever you want to have. Mine is a DD and I havent wheeled it yet, so I would like the 242. There may be some problems with the 242 im not aware of though.
231:
2 - high and low
3- Strength level 3
1- Part time
242:
2- High and Low
4- Strength level 4
2- Full Time
But its your jeep, so whatever you want to have. Mine is a DD and I havent wheeled it yet, so I would like the 242. There may be some problems with the 242 im not aware of though.
Last edited by 89Laredo; Feb 18, 2010 at 12:16 AM.