5 speed to automatic swap
- Thread starter r7955
- Start date
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
If your willing to dish out the cash for all the component involved with the swap, you shouldn't have any issues. A direct swap would be the 42RLE. You will need a PCM thats programmed for an auto trans., wiring harness, possibly a drive shaft(not sure), center console for an automatic transmission. I may have missed something else, i don't have the experience on this swap, but looking at the technical side of the process, this is so far what i can see to be the process involved.
It may be cheaper to sell your Jeep and buy an automatic version of the same year.
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
Cheaper and easier 
60biscayne
New member
OK I did it but I put a complete driveline package out of a 2003 or 2004 Wrangler into my 1989 Wrangler.
My '89 was a 4.2 carbureted motor with a 5 speed
The new package is a 4.0 injected motor with A/C, Pwr Steering etc. the trans is the automatic & I also got & installed the transfer case, driveshafts, & all of the engine stuff (starter, computer & all the wiring etc.). I still have a skid plate thats under the trans & t-case left over - I'm not sure if its from the '89 or from the '04 - anyway, I got the shifter stuff out of a late model Cherokee & a Radiator from a 2000 Wrangler. I still have the clutch pedal in place, I don't know why??? I bought the package from a guy that rolled over his Wrangler & was parting it out. The shifter & console along with the seats etc. were gone when I got there.
I had a zillion little things to take care of that you wouldn't have to worry about but I love it!
My '89 was a 4.2 carbureted motor with a 5 speed
The new package is a 4.0 injected motor with A/C, Pwr Steering etc. the trans is the automatic & I also got & installed the transfer case, driveshafts, & all of the engine stuff (starter, computer & all the wiring etc.). I still have a skid plate thats under the trans & t-case left over - I'm not sure if its from the '89 or from the '04 - anyway, I got the shifter stuff out of a late model Cherokee & a Radiator from a 2000 Wrangler. I still have the clutch pedal in place, I don't know why??? I bought the package from a guy that rolled over his Wrangler & was parting it out. The shifter & console along with the seats etc. were gone when I got there.
I had a zillion little things to take care of that you wouldn't have to worry about but I love it!
Bounty__Hunter
Super Moderator
The AW4 is a great option, but you would want to redrill the tailhousing so it clocks the transfer case up from the XJ position.
