Ok so I currently have a 92 2door 4x4 with the 4cyl engine. While I actually like the 4 banger, I do want more power. from what im understanding is while the engine could handle some more ponies (provided I can find them) the ax5 tranny cant handle more power. Ideally finding a cheap 4.0 L ax15 donor jeep is the best way to go. But they're either like upwards of $3k or dont exist around my area. But 4.0 L autos are a dime a dozen. I was wondering if it would still be an easy swap to get an auto donor and a ax15 trans by itself. Would the swap still go easy? Or would there be alot of parts I would need to get? I know this can be done. I just dont want to go off buying 15-20 other parts outside of the trans and doner car to make it work.

 

It is best to have a donor vehicle. But you will have to have the front radiator and supports for the engine swap as well as all the drivetrain stuff minus the differentials. You are really going to have to change over all the guts of the vehicle to change to a 4.0

 

im aware the easiest path to take, ide need a donor car. my question was that because a 4.0L paired with an ax15 trans are expensive in my area. would buying a cheap 4.0L with an auto trans and then a ax15 trans by itself (separately) still be a fairly easy install? i know if i happen to come across a cheap 4.0 ax15 that i shouldnt need to do anything more than swap whatever parts over. but if the donor car is an auto, obviously it wont be as straight forward as simply swapping. my question is how much harder would it be? would it be just bolt up the trans to the engine and thats it? or do i need the ecu changed? would the transfer case i have attach just fine (np231 i believe), etc...? stuff like that.

 

It would be alot of work to find and buy every part necessary to perform the swap without a donor vehicle. Plus all the parts have to fit. There are some changes year to year and you would have to be aware of that and buy the correct parts. You would probably be spending alot of time in junkyards searching for that one part you cant find on ebay or craigslist.

Basically if you are hoping to buy a 4.0L, find an AX15, slap them together, and slap them in your jeep in a weekend you have your hopes set way too high