Hi guys. Learned to drive stickshift this weekend, and I Love it! But my XJ is auto, as most of them are... haha. Anybody ever switch from automatic to manual in their's? Expensive? Tough? I'd like to hear some stories, though I doubt I would have the skill or money to do this

 

A kid at my school was going to do that to his XJ, mechanic told him it would be cheaper and better to buy a manual.

 

I have done this in a few vehicles. never a jeep but they are all about the same as far as what has to be done.

manual trans
flywheel
manual trans ecu
manual trans engine harness
clutch
clutch master , and run line to slave cyl
drill hole in fire wall and mount master and clutch pedal assembly
a manual brake pedal and brackets
possibly crossmember relocation and other brackets.
cutting out the floor for full shifter movement (holes are usually smaller for autos)
some vehicles wiring in the body is different and not compatible with he manual ecm either which means dash harness has to be changed as well.

I would agree that you are better off in the long run to keep the auto, or buy a manual. its a huge headache, and i can only see it worth the time/money if you already have custom and expensive work done to make buying a different one cost more money to return to current condition, or come across a manual complete vehicel with good parts to swap in for cheap. (but at that point why not just drive the manual....)

 

Not bad if you have a donor rig sitting right there. Buddy and I did it to a 84 when we swapped in a ax5 and 231.

 

Hmmm... I can't get rid of my Jeep, haha, so I guess I'll wait til this one dies in 15 years

Thanks for the help guys!