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Old 02-20-2012, 08:58 PM
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Default GM LS swap

I have decided to go through with a V8 swap with my 01 TA as the donor vehicle. I have found websites with all the mounts and radiator stuff as well as the entire engine and tranny. My question is, has anyone used the stock AW4 with a v8? I think it would be a better tranny than the 4l60e junk that came in the car. It's blown anyways so it's of no use to me. I will be installing the cam out of my Z71 to push the power band down toward the low end and to keep the insane power of the LS1 from tearing my Jeep apart plus I just have the cam laying around so why not? Any input for anyone experience in this matter would be appreciated
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Old 02-20-2012, 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by XJdryva
I think it would be a better tranny than the 4l60e junk that came in the car.
UHHH..what? The 4L60E is a great transmission. Although you're talking about a 2wd trans from a TA, and that wouldn't work anyways. You could get a 4wd trans and have WAY fewer issues. Remember that the computer controls for the 4l60E would be much better suited than trying to hack in another transmission to work. Not to mention cheaper with not having to buy adapter plates.
Old 02-20-2012, 09:32 PM
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4l60s are junk and AW4s are practically bullet proof with the inline 6 in front of it. They make an adapter for the AX15 but then I'd want to use the 6 speed I have laying around for my old Camaro but that tranny doesn't have a 4X4 tailhousing available for it so I'm not real sure what I'd do at this point. I need to get dimensions of the tunnel to see if a 4l80e will fit
Old 02-20-2012, 11:28 PM
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Originally Posted by XJdryva
4l60s are junk and AW4s are practically bullet proof with the inline 6 in front of it. They make an adapter for the AX15 but then I'd want to use the 6 speed I have laying around for my old Camaro but that tranny doesn't have a 4X4 tailhousing available for it so I'm not real sure what I'd do at this point. I need to get dimensions of the tunnel to see if a 4l80e will fit

I agree 100% the 4l60e is junk. But.. honestly i wouldnt use a 4l80.. Use a th400 its the same thing as a 4l80 but with one less gear and its manual control not computer controlled. I have researched for so long on this subject. The th400 is a much better option in my opinion. You dont have to tune your shift points or anything. to make a 4l80 work in your jeep would be a pita.
Old 02-20-2012, 11:59 PM
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AW4 uses an independent trans control module, not controlled by the ECM. It is also the same trans that Toyota uses behind the iForce 5.7 including the supercharged ones, and built automatic Supras (why?) pushing 800hp use AW4s (Toy calls it the A30-40e)
Its a strong transmission, far better than a 4L60 or 80. Just less efficient.
Old 02-21-2012, 05:11 AM
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Wait can I get a little back ground here??? Your gonna cut up a 01 ram air trans am to put the motor in a Cherokee? Just wondering

Anyways I found a place that makes adapter kits for any combo, let me dig through some papers I have set aside for my Mercedes diesel=Cherokee conversion.
Old 02-21-2012, 06:07 AM
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Originally Posted by mrfajita
AW4 uses an independent trans control module, not controlled by the ECM. It is also the same trans that Toyota uses behind the iForce 5.7 including the supercharged ones, and built automatic Supras (why?) pushing 800hp use AW4s (Toy calls it the A30-40e)
Its a strong transmission, far better than a 4L60 or 80. Just less efficient.
I knew this trans was bad *** but my 97 has a ecu controlled tranny. I got guys that could make it work anyways so I'm not too worried about the wiring thing, just seeing if anyone has done it
Old 02-21-2012, 06:09 AM
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Originally Posted by Tx9h6e4cuda
Wait can I get a little back ground here??? Your gonna cut up a 01 ram air trans am to put the motor in a Cherokee? Just wondering

Anyways I found a place that makes adapter kits for any combo, let me dig through some papers I have set aside for my Mercedes diesel=Cherokee conversion.
Novak makes like everything for a GM drivetrain but you gotta use a 4l60 or an AX15. Yeah I don't like the car plus I have a v6 drivetrain to swap out and sell it with
Old 02-21-2012, 06:59 AM
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PM Serious Offroad he has done this swap.
Old 02-21-2012, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by mrfajita
AW4 uses an independent trans control module, not controlled by the ECM. It is also the same trans that Toyota uses behind the iForce 5.7 including the supercharged ones, and built automatic Supras (why?) pushing 800hp use AW4s (Toy calls it the A30-40e)
Its a strong transmission, far better than a 4L60 or 80. Just less efficient.
Novak doesn't think it's that great and doesn't even make an adapter for the AW4, but they do for the AX-15.

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/xj_swap.htm

The strength of the AW4 sounds like internet lore to me. It's a light duty transmission behind an extremely light vehicle.
Old 02-21-2012, 10:59 AM
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Originally Posted by XJdryva
4l60s are junk....
Simply not true.
Old 02-21-2012, 11:36 AM
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Originally Posted by SeriousOffroad
Simply not true.
X2 They are a good trans if built right. but if the person building it doesnt know a whole lot about what makes them strong they will break behind stock motors. I have some that I built behind 10 sec camaros and firebirds and mud trucks too
Old 02-21-2012, 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by 1988cherokee
X2 They are a good trans if built right. but if the person building it doesnt know a whole lot about what makes them strong they will break behind stock motors. I have some that I built behind 10 sec camaros and firebirds and mud trucks too
+1 Perpetuated internet myths...Some just never die.
Old 02-21-2012, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by 1988cherokee
X2 They are a good trans if built right. but if the person building it doesnt know a whole lot about what makes them strong they will break behind stock motors. I have some that I built behind 10 sec camaros and firebirds and mud trucks too

Keyword "built" they are junk from the factory. a 4l80 would easily hold for his goals. i would not waste a dime building a 4l60 and i have also been around drag cars my whole life. The 4l60 is junk stock. I would never recommend it especially since you get a 80 take out for around the same price with twice the durability.

Oh and i love my aw4 even tho its not taking any real power it does take a ton of abuse when i offroad.
Old 02-21-2012, 03:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Senate21
Keyword "built" they are junk from the factory. a 4l80 would easily hold for his goals. i would not waste a dime building a 4l60 and i have also been around drag cars my whole life. The 4l60 is junk stock. I would never recommend it especially since you get a 80 take out for around the same price with twice the durability.

Oh and i love my aw4 even tho its not taking any real power it does take a ton of abuse when i offroad.
Yes built= awsome, stock they are junk. My AW4 has been slipping for over a year now I have one built ready to go but mine just wont quit yet


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