What are you using for a transmission and transfer case with your LS swap?

[JMT]

Put more power in front of it and the OD works really good actually.

Exactly. This rabbit hole never ends!

 

[toximus]

Exactly. This rabbit hole never ends!

I'm feeling like I'm nearing the end. I'm still unsure what's at the end of the rabbit hole though...

 

[Wildman]

I was wondering what everyone is using for a transmission and a transfer case after doing a LS swap? I have a 2005 TJ with 6-speed manual(NSG370) stock and a stock transfer case(NV245). My intentions are for rock crawling NOT my daily driver. It will be trailered. I prefer a manual trany over an automatic but that doesnt mean its out of the question. I am open to any suggestions... Thanks

You have a NV245 in your TJ?

As everyone said if you plan to really rockcrawl with it then you want an auto. And why won't your stock transfer case work?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Have you considered an AW4 swap? Swapping the NV3550 for a 42RLE is a nightmare wiring wise as it is, might not be all that much more difficult to put in a good ol' Cherokee AW4. Probably need new driveshafts, though. That 42RLE overdrive is

An AW4 would be significantly harder to wire in than a 42RLE that would just plug in. Plus getting its lockup torque converter to work automatically is difficult at best, if at all. Not to mention the AW4 is longer and it runs hotter too.

While the AW4 enjoyed a few years as a common conversion it died out for the above reasons.

 

[JMT]

An automatic being easier to rock crawl with is a very minor benefit when compared to its other benefits including significantly more low-end torque and an infinitely low 1st gear ratio.

Those benefits are why automatics are so prevalent in serious rock crawling rigs like compete in King of the Hammers.

While I agree with all your saying about low end torque and infinitely low 1st gear ratio due to the AT, it’s just that probably more than half of us have our rigs outfitted with manuals, and probably a minority engage in rock crawling. Very few people are going to do a 32rh swap. So, unless you’re just made of money, build it and enjoy it on the trails in your local environs.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

The GM SM-420 has the lowest of the low 1st gears and is bomb proof. But it *is* only a 4 speed.

The torque converter makes the first gear ratio differences between automatic types totally irrelevant.

 

[JMT]

I'm feeling like I'm nearing the end. I'm still unsure what's at the end of the rabbit hole though...

Is there a light maybe?! I hear from those who have had NDE’s there may be a light!

Can’t wait to see it done.

 

[Zorba]

SM420 are cool but SM465 is a more logical choice.

Not really. 420 is lower geared. Nothing whatsoever "wrong" with a 465, but given the choice between the two, I'd take the 420 all day long.

 

[Blackjack]

Not really. 420 is lower geared. Nothing whatsoever "wrong" with a 465, but given the choice between the two, I'd take the 420 all day long.

Harder to find and parts are becoming scarce.

 

[Zorba]

The torque converter makes the first gear ratio differences between automatic types totally irrelevant.

Completely true - but that isn't what he asked. He asked specifically about manuals.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

While I agree with all your saying about low end torque and infinitely low 1st gear ratio due to the AT, it’s just that probably more than half of us have our rigs outfitted with manuals, and probably a minority engage in rock crawling.

As quoted below the OP specifically said he wants to rock crawl.

... My intentions are for rock crawling NOT my daily driver. It will be trailered.

 

[Zorba]

Harder to find and parts are becoming scarce.

Its all relative. Novak will sell you a 420 completely rebuilt and ready to go - and they're "but one".

 

[JMT]

The OP specifically said he wants to rock crawl.

Yes, I was just talking to Chris, https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...sfer-case-with-your-ls-swap.45451/post-773184

 

[toximus]

Is there a light maybe?! I hear from those who have had NDE’s there may be a light!

Can’t wait to see it done.

I just checked the dash — no light so far.

 

[toximus]

The torque converter makes the first gear ratio differences between automatic types totally irrelevant.

Totally irrelevant is going a bit far. A low 1st gear can still be important and useful.

 

[pcoplin]

I run a 400 and Stak 300. I have an Atlas race case on the floor I'll be swapping that out for. Kevin runs an SM420 and Atlas, and Trevin runs a 4L80 and Stak D300.

I really hate manuals for rock crawling, but the granny gear in his 420 is pretty awesome.

 

[pcoplin]

And lots of replies on this post, but not a lot of V8s.

 

[toximus]

And lots of replies on this post, but not a lot of V8s.

Funny how that works, isn't it?

 

[Jerry Bransford]

And lots of replies on this post, but not a lot of V8s.

He didn't ask about which V8. He asked about what transmission to use with an LS and further said he wanted to rock crawl.

 

[Fouledplugs]

Put more power in front of it and the OD works really good actually.

This is the actual issue with the 42RLE, it has an engine in front of it that makes less than 200 horsepower.