Hello all,

I have a 97 XJ 4.0 with an AX15 and a 231 tcase that I have been building and modifying for 10 years, and I want to swap to an AWD4 auto trans. I'm getting old and I don't like crawling with the manual anymore.
I have put a lot of work into it and I don't want to just swap for another rig.
I know it might seem easier to find an auto rig, but I have a lot of build in this one that I don't want to duplicate into another one.

With all that said, I have a opportunity to buy a 2000 drivetrain that includes everything, motor, trans, all the accessories, PCM, TCM, shift controller, harness, the works. Donor XJ is going LS1.

The questions;
Has anyone done this successfully and had a clean running rig?
I've been looking for a write up of someone who has done this before and I am having trouble finding one that is done clean without a lot of work arounds or backwards engineering. I don't want a manual shifting automatic that I have seen some people do.
I'm confident the motor and trans mechanically will fit in fine and will work, it should be pretty much pull out the old and drop in the new, maybe a shortened rear driveline or something else small I don't know about.
Any thoughts of obscure things that I should be careful about or consider?

My biggest concern is the electronics, mating a 2000 to a 1997 together that I want to try and find as much info as I can before I pull the trigger.
Even though I will have a complete 2000 engine/transmission to PCM harness to swap in, I am worried that at some point, something is gonna have to be mated together with the existing 1997, or maybe having to swap out my instrument cluster because the PCM may not recognize the gauges. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

If you have any advise or links to write ups, wiring diagrams ect, I would greatly appreciate it.

 

Did the exact opposite: 2000 XJ Auto (Aw4) to Manual (AX15)
There's a few sticking point to have it running as good as OEM (no engine lights/etc)

I'll try and make a tech sticky on cherokee forum soon to detail the parts list/swap.

The questions;
Has anyone done this successfully and had a clean running rig?
This comes down to the electronics, just as you're thinking about already

I've been looking for a write up of someone who has done this before and I am having trouble finding one that is done clean without a lot of work arounds or backwards engineering. I don't want a manual shifting automatic that I have seen some people do.
With a properly programmed/reflashed PCM this should work as an actual shifting auto - not the workaround

I'm confident the motor and trans mechanically will fit in fine and will work, it should be pretty much pull out the old and drop in the new, maybe a shortened rear driveline or something else small I don't know about.
When I did auto to manual, IIRC, the driveshaft lengths were a bit different. Transfer cases are different so easiest to source the full matching driveline.
Will also need pedal assembly, bellhousing, flexplate & cover, shifter assemblies, bit of a parts list but keeps things matching and clean.

Any thoughts of obscure things that I should be careful about or consider?
My 2000 had an external TCM (transmission control module) located under the dashboard, IIRC.
Would need that, wiring, as well as most everything else.

 

Electronics:
As I went the opposite direction it was more removing electronics then adding them.
Off the top of my head, the PCM is the biggest issue.

Depending on where you're located a properly flashed E-Vin and milage will be needed for smog.
(At least on my 2000 this is how it's stored in the PCM)
There are only a few guys around that have access to the Jtech encrypted software to do such a reflash - may be able to find a contact on the stroker forums.

Swapping PCM from different model years may complicate things, especially with the 2000 having the coilpack ignition and 97 having a distributor IIRC.
May work to have the '97 computer reflashed, and then source a '97 manual wiring harness or modify the current harness. Bit of added work here.
At least on the 2000 I have, the hardware is the same on the PCM from manual to auto, the software flash is what determines whether it is auto or manual controls.

Things I removed going to manual that you'd need to figure out how to install/wire on the auto:
Neutral Safety Switch, Transmission Shift Solenoids.

It'll be an involved project, but if your not phased by the electric side it could be doable.

 

Just don’t forget to remove the pilot bushing from the crank!