Has anyone converted their RHD TJ from an automatic to manual transmission?

04rhd

04rhd

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New to the forum. I have a 2004 TJ rhd. I love this rig, lots of fun. Anyone familiar with the rhd mail jeep knows the standard transmission was not an option, you could only get it with the 42rle. While I’m not knocking the automatic, it’s just lacking the what I have always enjoyed about a standard.

I was fortunate to have been able to purchase another TJ same year as my rhd for $500 it was wrecked but the entire drivetrain survived.

by now I’m sure everyone knows where this is going oh yes standard transmission swap in. The rhd was prewired for both automatic and standard. The only problem I have run into is the fact the clutch and brake pedal assembly. While yes they are a direct bolt in they are unfortunately bent to the right and needed to be bent to the left. Fortunately I’m pretty good with a torch and welder. Pictures will be posted soon.

I would love to hear from anyone who has done this before.
 
As the resident crazy RHD TJ guy on this forum, my build has been going on for two years now, I can tell you it's going to be more involved than just transmission and pedals. You'll specifically need pedals from a RHD TJ from overseas, Australia is a good place to look. Also you MIGHT need another ECU. I can't remember if the 2004 TJ had the TCU integrated with the ECU or not, if it does, you'll need another ECU as well.

You might need new driveshafts as well, I can't remember the length difference between the autos and the manuals. Finally you'll need an 04 ~ 06 TJ manual transmission for the computer to work, unless you want to modify an AX-15 which I believe can be done.
 
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Chris said:
You RHD guys must be gluttons for punishment ;)
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I'm got that LJ Rubicon that I'm going to be diesel swapping soon, just don't know what engine I'm using yet, but that is going to be another build on my plate as well . . . so yes to your question I think?
 
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I have a complete yet totaled donor Jeep same year as my o4.
I used my existing brake pedal but I cut off the large foot and welded the small foot back on. The clutch pedal was for a left and drive but with a little heat I was able to make it work with no problem.
I have a nv3550 with transfer case and drive shafts in the donor Jeep. Along with anything else I may need.
I will be dropping everything out of the donor this weekend. Wish me luck. I will also be taking pictures along the way.

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04rhd said:
I have a complete yet totaled donor Jeep same year as my o4.
I used my existing brake pedal but I cut off the large foot and welded the small foot back on. The clutch pedal was for a left and drive but with a little heat I was able to make it work with no problem.
I have a nv3550 with transfer case and drive shafts in the donor Jeep. Along with anything else I may need.
I will be dropping everything out of the donor this weekend. Wish me luck. I will also be taking pictures along the way.

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Having a donor vehicle makes everything easier as well. Does the donor still have the ECU if you need it?
 
RustyAutoholicGuy said:
As the resident crazy RHD TJ guy on this forum, my build has been going on for two years now, I can tell you it's going to be more involved than just transmission and pedals. You'll specifically need pedals from a RHD TJ from overseas, Australia is a good place to look. Also you MIGHT need another ECU. I can't remember if the 2004 TJ had the TCU integrated with the ECU or not, if it does, you'll need another ECU as well.

You might need new driveshafts as well, I can't remember the length difference between the autos and the manuals. Finally you'll need an 04 ~ 06 TJ manual transmission for the computer to work, unless you want to modify an AX-15 which I believe can be done.
Click to expand...

As far as I know... the integration of the TCM with the ECU did not occur until 05, but the OP will need to swap the ECM since it will be looking for things from the transmission and the programming will be different between the manual and automatic.
 
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CharlesHS said:
As far as I know... the integration of the TCM with the ECU did not occur until 05, but the OP will need to swap the ECM since it will be looking for things from the transmission and the programming will be different between the manual and automatic.
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Oh I forgot about that and isn't there wiring around the pedals so the ECU will start the engine when the clutch is depressed?

Thanks
Grant
 
RustyAutoholicGuy said:
Oh I forgot about that and isn't there wiring around the pedals so the ECU will start the engine when the clutch is depressed?

Thanks
Grant
Click to expand...

YES there is...
There is a switch attached to the clutch release pedal with acts sort of like a neutral safety switch that can be defeated by installing a fuse in the fuse block behind the glove compartment.
 
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Lots of great info guys. I do have the ECU on the donor vehicle. Can you elaborate on defeating the the neutral safety switch by installing a fuse in the fuse block. Thanks for all the input.
 
Automatic jeeps already have the clutch switch bypassed with the fuse in the fuse block. You can either leave it or remove it but then you need to make sure you have the wiring for the clutch switch(i think you do).

The netrual safety switch supplies ground to the starter relay. the clutch switch(or fuse bypass) provides a path for 12v to the starter relay. If going from Auto to Manual you need to make sure the NSS wire to the relay gets grounded.
 
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Ok fellas, I’ve had a long hiatus from my rhd standard transmission conversion. Long story short my wife is a mail carrier and needed the TJ back do to a extreme shortage in new rhd jeeps. She was able to purchase and take possession of a 2021 rhd last week, so back to work.
Picking up where I left off I’ve modified and installed a clutch pedal assembly out of my wrecked 2003 TJ. My new clutch kit, slave cylinder, and master cylinder will be here Monday October 11th. But we have rain in the forecast Tuesday-Thursday. 😡 however if all goes well I should be finished by Sunday. Wish me luck!!
 
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Update, I have installed the nv3550 along with new clutch, slave, and master cylinder.
So what I’ve learned so far is this. The crank has a bushing in it for the torque converter and it has to be changed out with a new bushing and pilot bearing.
Note about the bushing removal. I had to grind a channel in mine then bust it loose with a chisel to remove.
The transmission mount is slightly different so you need the one for the transmission going in.
My 04 was not pre wired for a standard but I fortunately have the complete engine and transmission wiring harness from the donor Jeep. So far it has been a relatively smooth conversion.
So far the clutch pedal has been the toughest part of it all, but wasn’t to hard to modify one from the left hand drive. It is angled the wrong direction so I simply made a few cuts re angled it and welded it back together.
 
Oh and the driveshaft length for both the front and rear are identical for the 42rle and the nv3550.
 
So did all the slave stuff and lines end up fitting and reaching where they needed to go?? I have a 04 carrier and a 99 that the trans is out of and I have it all I just haven’t really messed with it so it does fit!! I guess I just need to start plugging stuff together to see.. it’s my wife’s rhd and I’m know she heavily prefers automatic so I’m debating between a 5.9 swap with a 46re and or a manual swap..
 
Theblkprl1999 said:
Also did you have to use the ecm from the donor?
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Yes the hydraulic clutch line does fit though it is slightly tight. I did use the ECM from the donor Jeep, though I’m not certain you have to. Though using it does make your shift light work. The whole swap is actually very straight forward, as long as both jeeps are black keyed. Your clutch pedal will be your only modified part as it has to be bent to the right to clear the transmission tunnel. But the clutch and brake pedal assembly does bolt right in. You will also have to change the pilot bearing they are different. Oh you need the starter and the crankshaft position sensor for the standard transmission as well.
 
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