Manual to Auto swap

[riccmp]

I am new to the site and Jeep community. I have a 85 CJ7 with a AMC 304 ,Dana 300 ,AMC20 ,and Dana 30 . It is a manual Transmission and I would like to change it to an auto. What is the easiest and most cost effective way to do this?
Please be as specific as possible. Thanks in advance FYI it is just going to be a glorified cruiser

 

[JeeperChris]

What manual is it?

 

[riccmp]

I believe it is a SM 465

 

[RiverandSand]

The easiest swap would a jeep auto from that era, TF 999 or a TF 727. Both can be found in FSJs and CJs. If one came from a jeep, you wouldn't need any adapters. If say you found one out of an AMC car you will probably need an adapter to your Transfer Case .

 

[riccmp]

Thanks RiverandSand. I assume drive shafts would have to be changed?

 

[RiverandSand]

More than likely the D/S will be different in lengths. Also be sure to get the proper flexplate, apparently AMC made them engine specific. While this kind of swap isn't really that difficult, it usually has some hiccups along the way. Like deciding to change your steering column or not, changing your pedals to auto style wider brake pedal.

 

[riccmp]

Does anyone know what Transmission has the serial number 79 Jm 26316 hydro-Matic? Can not figure it out with google search. Seller know nothing about besides it came out of his dads 79cj7

 

[RiverandSand]

The turbo hydramatic is a GM Transmission , if it did indeed come from a jeep it would have been a
TH 400 mated to a QuadraTrac Transfer Case which was all wheel drive system. I'm not sure if it will mate to the standard Dana 300 Transfer Case . It will mate up to your AMC engine though.
The QT was installed in CJs from 76 to 79.
A site to check out is Novak conversions, they can help in iding the Transmission , usually by the pan bolt pattern.

 

[Patrick]

“While this kind of swap isn't really that difficult, it usually has some hiccups along the way. Like deciding to change your steering column or not, changing your pedals to auto style wider brake pedal.”

Taking these extra steps is the right way to go automatic.

 

[riccmp]

Thanks again RiverandSand. I Need to find a TF999 out of CJ7 .

 

[RiverandSand]

If your still interested in the TH 400 , Novak has an adapter to mate the Transmission to the Dana 300 . While it's not cheap it is doable. I would call Novak, they should be able tell you if indeed it came from a jeep.

 

[smbundy13]

Would probably easier to find an auto jeep and buy it..

not trying to be snarky or anything but I feel there will be a bunch of little things that add way up..

whats wrong with a manual?

 

[007]

I wouldn’t have a manual either...but that’s a religious discussion.

I wouldn’t worry with steering column. You’re gonna have a hole in the floor to start with so do a floor shifter. Brake pedal can be widened by cutting the clutch pedal and welding it to existing brake pedal.

You’ll want to keep your tcase and mate it to your Transmission . You can find AMC cased GM Turbo 400 ’s out there. I have one that can go. Look for junk or wrecked FSJs or J trucks. Most have what you need.

 

[ksouthw80]

I did the 999w/lock up torque converter like 25 years ago. Dont forget youll need a radiator for an automatic vehicle. Make the "correct diameter" size lines from the Transmission to the radiator. The biggest problem I had was finding the correct flex plate. I dont remember all the details but something like the engine being internally balanced and the Transmission being externally balanced or vice versa. I had the rear drive shaft shortened and balanced. Front was lenghtened. I put an auto column in for a clean look and made a new tunnel cover which you can now buy from Novak. Seriously I put around 6 different flexplates on until I got the right one. I was 16 and doing this with a friend. We had no internet only Chilton manuals. ( Lots of phone calls) You should be able to do this with out too much hassle thru the internet. I've thought of doing this again one day. BTW - With the wrong flexplate mine would start and drive but as the engine revved it would vibrate - you'll know right away. I made my lines to the radiator too small and burned the Transmission up in short time. Had it rebuilt. Lesson learned the hard way. I hope this helps a little. It's a nice mod for a CJ.