32RH to NV3550 swap on 2002 TJ

Vtx531

Vtx531

TJ Addict
Original poster
Joined
Nov 17, 2020
Messages
1,957
Location
Kalamazoo, MI
How hard would this swap be and what all needs to be changed?

Looks like there are a lot of things that are not obvious, like even the tcase different between the auto/manual?

Do you have to swap the PCM and does it have to be non-skim from same year?

Wiring harness?

Is 100,000 mile+ manual trans too worn out? I know they are supposed to last better than an auto but bearings don't last forever.

There is a local guy on FB that parts out dozens of TJ - all the necessary OEM parts are available from same year Jeep as mine. I prefer not to have to modify if doing a factory-type parts swap.
 
Does your 32RH have a problem? Do you do tough offroad trails? Yes it's a bolt-in conversion but depending on where/how you drive it you may not want to make that conversion. I converted the other direction, from a 5-speed manual transmission to the 32RH due to the rock crawling that is my primary interest.
 
Jerry Bransford said:
Does your 32RH have a problem? Do you do tough offroad trails? Yes it's a bolt-in conversion but depending on where/how you drive it you may not want to make that conversion. I converted the other direction, from a 5-speed manual transmission to the 32RH due to the rock crawling that is my primary interest.
Click to expand...
No problems. It is now a weekend cruiser only and I have 100% retired it from offroad duty. I would like to make the weekend cruising more "fun".

It has sentimental value to me so I don't want to sell it and buy a different Jeep that already has a 5-speed, otherwise I would just do that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TheBoogieman and SkylinesSuck
It'd be a bolt-in job but I'd search for an AX-15 which is a better transmission. Aside from the parts needed for the conversion you'll need to replace the PCM with one programmed for your model year and 5-speed manual transmission otherwise you'd have a continuous Check Engine light from the installed computer not seeing the 32RH kick into Overdrive.
 
  • Like
Reactions: SkylinesSuck
What about any difference in wiring between the auto and the manual? Maybe different with being in park to start vs having clutch in? Or reverse lighting? I would just unplug the harness that talks between the computer and transmission? Is cruise control affected at all? I'm sure you mean converter lockup instead of overdrive but, regardless, anything else I need to consider other than just swapping the pcm? thanks
 
Wiring needed for the Reverse light switch on a manual transmission is tucked into the harness above the transmission. No wiring will need to be added unless you want to add the stupid clutch switch that will force you to have to be stepping down on the clutch pedal even when the transmission in Neutral to start the engine.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Vtx531
Jerry Bransford said:
It'd be a bolt-in job but I'd search for an AX-15 which is a better transmission. Aside from the parts needed for the conversion you'll need to replace the PCM with one programmed for your model year and 5-speed manual transmission otherwise you'd have a continuous Check Engine light from the installed computer not seeing the 32RH kick into Overdrive.
Click to expand...
Um... The 32rh doesn't have overdrive, right? It's only a three speed.

i don't think the AX15 is a "better" transmission either... Just more common and more parts availability.

To @Vtx531 I might be interested in swapping you...I have an nv3550 and think I'd like an auto. Gotta find out what that takes tho... I'm only a couple hours away from you too... ;)
 
  • Like
Reactions: JMT
Your 2004 would make the 32RH a far less desirable swap. That's due to the PCM required for the 32RH's lockup torque converter not being compatible with any 2003 or newer TJ.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TJustin
Old_Crow said:
You guys have been watching too much Roadkill.
Click to expand...

I’ve seen enough to know that it rarely goes smoothly.

Still my favorite episode is when they build the “boost caboose” for the Manza. Watching them mess around with that ball valve still gets me laughing.
 
32rh is easily swapped into an 03/04 so long as you are competent enough with wiring in order to find the correct black wire and add a wire to the PCM connector.

You’ll also need some fabrication skills to make a crossmember since the late model skid won’t support a 32rh.
 
What circuit in a 2003 or newer PCM can be used to control/provide the ground to activate/deactivate the 32RH's solenoid that controls the lockup for the torque converter?
 
Top Bottom
Back