GA Rubicon TJ/LJ TRADE: Your 3550 5 speed manual Transmission SETUP for my 42RLE Automatic SETUP

[Jorge Meza]

I'm looking to convert either my 2004 or my 2006 RUBICON LJ from Automatic to Manual Transmission so I'm looking another TJ/LJ owner wanting to do the opposite conversion.

This means we would be swapping everything needed to make this conversion happen: Tranny, Pedals, ECU, Wiring, shifter, probbbly center console, etc.

I am located in South Georgia and not looking to ship. If you are close enough to make the trip, I have all the tools (also most any power tool needed too) to do this swap on site. We can start with your Jeep so it's ready same day. I guesstimate it will be a 4-5 hours job if both of us work on yours.

I prefer the 5 speed NV3550 transmission but a 6 speed will work.

My Rubicon just hit 60,000 miles last week so my transmission is in super healthy condition. In exchange I expect a manual transmission in awesome shape, no problems too.

Not in a Rush so I can leave this post for the right Jeeper at the right time.

 

[TanTJJim]

I can't help you out with parts but I do have some advice on the 2006 swap. 2005 and 2006 TJ's are only compatible between those 2 years. For the easiest swap you'd definitely want to go with the 6 speed. FYI I do have a 2005 manual non sentry key (non security system) PCM if you ever wind up needing one, just pay for the ride and it's yours.

 

[Jorge Meza]

I can't help you out with parts but I do have some advice on the 2006 swap. 2005 and 2006 TJ's are only compatible between those 2 years. For the easiest swap you'd definitely want to go with the 6 speed. FYI I do have a 2005 manual non sentry key (non security system) PCM if you ever wind up needing one, just pay for the ride and it's yours.

Thank you Sir!! I'll take your word in that ECU and I'll take it. Let me know your paypal.

As for compatibility, since wiring harnesses and ecm should be swapped the only two things to work on if a 2004 is involved in the swap would be the MAF sensor in the intake since the plug is different on 2004 compared to 2005-2006. The block is identical and the OPD is interchangeable. I have swapped a 2006 motor into a 2004 TJ before, swapped OPD and Intakes and its running awesome for 36,xxx miles now.

What ya think?

 

[TanTJJim]

There are 2 huge problems when swapping electronics, wiring, or transmissions between 2005-2006 year TJ's and other year TJ's.

The first one is that the physical location of the crank sensor changed from the driver's side of the bell housing (2004 and older) to the passengers side of the bell housing (2005 and 2006). The crank trigger pattern on the flywheel/flexplate also changed.

The second is that the PCM changed from pre 2004 to 2005 and 2006.

I don't believe the rest of the electronics will integrate if you try swapping pre 2004 and 2005-2006. i.e. the instrument cluster may not communicate with the PCM or airbag modules, etc. It really is a big problem when you get into trying to do this kind of swap, engine swaps are easy as all the sensors can transfer but transmissions are what make things difficult for a swap like this.

 

[Jorge Meza]

I think you're talking about converting transmissions but keeping the vehicle's original ECU. In that case yes, its a PITA cuz a NV3550 has the CS in the left side and the NSG370/42RLE has it in the right side.

But swapping transmission having both vehicles available is more simple. I've done this before and its really simple as long as you swap the whole package: Wiring Harnesses, ECU's, Starters and Flex Plate/Flywheel.

So basically each vehicle's ECU's would never know they are in a different TJ body since they will be working with the same Transmission.

Instrument Cluster will work perfect with no problems and no mods needed since the Injector's and sensor's communication is the same from 2003-2006. The Instrument Cluster & Injectors from a pre-2003 will definitely not communicate properly with a 2003-2006 ECU

It's more of time consuming swapping out parts and wiring but basically not a single mod is needed. Just swap parts.

 

[TanTJJim]

Cool, that's good to know, I always wondered about if the dash would integrate or not, now I know!