Manual to Automatic Swap

bigjohn73 · 10-24-2005, 03:41 PM

I have a 93 Cherokee Sport 2WD with a 4.0L and 5 speed. The clutch is worn out and I pulled the transmission. While looking at rebuilt clutch kits in the 160-180 dollar range, I started considering swapping over to an automatic. I really enjoy driving cars/trucks with a manual trans, but my left knee is shot, and I am looking several more surgerys on it. Since all of my cars are standard, this cuts into my driving a bit. Is there a non-computer controlled overdrive transmission that is worth swapping into my Jeep. I realize I will have to add an automatic shifter, transmission cooler, modify/ buy different driveshaft, ect. Right now would be the time to look at swapping it while my transmission is sitting on the shop floor and I would be looking at spending money on the manual trans anyways.

**Matt Gertsch** · 10-24-2005, 03:51 PM

Why not use an AW4? That way, you can pull all of the necessary parts off of a junked rig.

bigjohn73 · 10-24-2005, 04:07 PM

If I use the AW4 I will need to swap the computer and wiring for computer controlled transmision, right? Are there years of the AW4 that are non-computer controlled?

**Matt Gertsch** · 10-25-2005, 12:30 PM

You'd need the trans computer, but there isn't that much wiring that you'd need to do. All of the needed sensors are already in place. As far as I know, all AW4s are computer controlled. You could get a non lockup 700R4 or a TH350. There are kits on the market to adapt the 4.0l to the tranny.

fryed_1 · 10-25-2005, 12:35 PM

I have a 93 AW4 if you want to come to VA to come and get it.

cmotsvt · 10-25-2005, 01:01 PM

Just a thought but can you bypass the computer totally using one of those shifter switch deals that are out there? Then would have a manual automatic.

**Matt Gertsch** · 10-25-2005, 01:03 PM

I believe that switch just turns the computer on and off. It makes a lot of heat to constantly have your torque convertor locked like that. I don't know if the AW4 would survive operating like that all of the time.

10-25-2005, 12:35 PM	#5
fryed_1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Washington DC Posts: 675 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	I have a 93 AW4 if you want to come to VA to come and get it. __________________ '94 XJ - 8" Long arms, 9" rear, 35's '89 Waggy '48 Willys

10-24-2005, 04:07 PM	#3
bigjohn73 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 2 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	If I use the AW4 I will need to swap the computer and wiring for computer controlled transmision, right? Are there years of the AW4 that are non-computer controlled?

10-25-2005, 01:01 PM	#6
cmotsvt Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: USA Posts: 2,310 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	Just a thought but can you bypass the computer totally using one of those shifter switch deals that are out there? Then would have a manual automatic.