Auto to straight drive conversion

[beardog]

Folks, gonna leave this a bit open ended to get any and all feedback. Just bought an 85 7 AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l auto. She is inquiring about me converting to stick. Finding parts won't be an issue, hearing the possible bumps in the road would help. Feel free to address, Thanks

 

[Scooter402]

If finding the parts isn't an issue, then you should have no issues. In my humble experience, swapping from auto to manual and vice versa would be pretty straight forward. Since Jeep made them both ways, all parts (factory ones, at least) would be a straight bolt-up deal. There's a tranny cover that you get for the Transmission tunnel in the floor for both shifters, the mechanical clutch linkage (I'm not sure if CJ had a factory hydraulic clutch -- others would be more knowledgable here), etc. etc. would bolt right up. The only thing I can think of that would be different than what you have would possibly be both driveshaft lengths.

 

[beardog]

Thanks, yeah would like to go hydraulic. Appreciate the input.

 

[Petescj]

Well Ive had both now and have experience getting them both in and out. Lets start with all the parts you'll need from the donor Cj. You need the flywheel, bellhousing, clutch (preferablly new), Transmission , adapter plate for the manual 300, standard pedal assembly, and driveshafts. Grab a new pilot bushing and throw out bearing as well. You will also have to find plugs to fill the radiator auto coolant lines.

The top bolts on the auto are a bit of a pain to get at. Easiest way I found was from inside the Cj with the seats out of the way. A longer extension with a universal will make life easier. I took my auto and Transfer Case down as 1 unit with a Transmission jack. I got it from Harbor Frieght and it made the swap go smoother for sure. It had a tilt option on the base plate that made lining up my new Transmission much simpiler. The auto has a neutral safety switch harness on it you dont need. The Transfer Case shifter is really long as well. My Cj is on 35s and I still had to tilt it on its side to get the Transmission from under the Jeep. Put plastic down. Automatic Transmission fluid seems to come from everywhere.

One thing Im not sure on is anything to do with the steering column. My swaps have been auto to auto or manual to manual. Hope this helps.

 

[beardog]

More great info, Thanks! 10-4 on the tranny fluid comment!

 

[JR74CJ5]

What Transmission are you going with for the swap?

I assume the auto that is in it is the stock TF999 ? http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f105/automatic-cj-transmissions-12123/#post97174 or was it a swap in already from PO?

Are you thinking a "jeep standard" manual tranny? Or a adaptable one with granny low 1st? etc.

This would help you get some additional details.

If you are undecided, Novak Jeep Conversions - Home is a good place to look for more info too!


~ Jr

 

[Jimbos76cj]

The biggest thing with the steering column is the ugly gear selector handle and indicator. The handle can be removed pretty easily along with the indicator and pointer.. May look a little choppy but will have no mechanical problem.. Just make sure it's still in P when you remove the handle. Be reusing the auto column you will also not have to worry about monkeying with the NSS. Of you can simply swap the column with a manual Transmission . Next question will be where to find the manual columns? CJ's will obviously work, a yj manual column will work also. It will bolt right in only thing is the blinker stalk has the wiper and high beam option. For the high beam I'd relocate it from the floor to the column since it will be stick.. All you have to do is just move the plug from the floor switch to the column. For the wiper part I glue the two haves of he stalks together, cut off the tall wiper tab and paint it all a nice black.

Of the cross member may be different also. Try to get as much from the donor cj as possible.