Transmission Swap (and newbie intro).

[chazwars]

I'm new to the forum and certain I'll be here quite often. I restored an old 72 Fiat 124 and the forums saved my life!

I'm picking up a 2004 Liberty in the next few days. Having to mention, naturally the window regulators are destroyed. I'm thinking I might try to build a carbon fiber clip to replace the cheap nylon. We'll see how that works and I'll be sure to post if there are positive results. Plus, I'm getting the water build up. I'm sure it's the sunroof drain hose getting plugged up (unless there is something else).

To the topic at hand, I'm curious though if I can swap out the Liberty AT with a Wrangler MT. Or, if I just swap out the my Liberty AT with a Liberty MT, what other parts would I need to swap (transfer case, drivetrain, etc). The AT is in great shape. I'm just looking to cut down on weight (5600 is pretty dang heavy) as well as get a little more strength for trail driving. I'm also planning on building a Tear Drop camper (having restored a 56 Airstream, a tear drop seems great for a Liberty). Plus the old boston whaler will be a blast to pull around with the Liberty.

So, that's my question. Plus, I'll take any other suggestions on modifying this sucker for good off road and towing. Let's have some fun with this new toy. NEW PROJECT!

 

[HoosierJeeper]

I think KJs and TJs use the same manual ******. Not sure.

But automatics KJs are rated to tow more (3500 vs 5000lbs) and automatics are better for offroading.

 

[M38 Bob]

Swapping in a self-stir because you want one is an excellent idea. Swapping for all the uses you mention is total suck.

Bob

 

[tjkj2002]

I'm new to the forum and certain I'll be here quite often. I restored an old 72 Fiat 124 and the forums saved my life!

I'm picking up a 2004 Liberty in the next few days. Having to mention, naturally the window regulators are destroyed. I'm thinking I might try to build a carbon fiber clip to replace the cheap nylon. We'll see how that works and I'll be sure to post if there are positive results. Plus, I'm getting the water build up. I'm sure it's the sunroof drain hose getting plugged up (unless there is something else).

To the topic at hand, I'm curious though if I can swap out the Liberty AT with a Wrangler MT. Or, if I just swap out the my Liberty AT with a Liberty MT, what other parts would I need to swap (transfer case, drivetrain, etc). The AT is in great shape. I'm just looking to cut down on weight (5600 is pretty dang heavy) as well as get a little more strength for trail driving. I'm also planning on building a Tear Drop camper (having restored a 56 Airstream, a tear drop seems great for a Liberty). Plus the old boston whaler will be a blast to pull around with the Liberty.

So, that's my question. Plus, I'll take any other suggestions on modifying this sucker for good off road and towing. Let's have some fun with this new toy. NEW PROJECT!

That 5600lbs your seeing on the door sticker is max GVWR not the vehicle weight.A 3.7 V6 KJ with 4wd is around 4000lbs.The auto trans is no heavier then the manual also not to mention lower tow rating and almost impossible to find a flywheel(can't machine the flywheel).

 

[libertybob]

Question...

That 5600lbs your seeing on the door sticker is max GVWR not the vehicle weight.A 3.7 V6 KJ with 4wd is around 4000lbs.The auto trans is no heavier then the manual also not to mention lower tow rating and almost impossible to find a flywheel(can't machine the flywheel).

Why can't the flywheel be re-surfaced? Did not know this about Liberty flywheels.

 

[tommudd]

Why can't the flywheel be re-surfaced? Did not know this about Liberty flywheels.

They are not flat like old flywheels were

 

[tommudd]

To the OP , I'd personally stay with the automatic

 

[chazwars]

Great feedback on the AT vs MT. I think I'll stay focused on other things.

Getting into towing, my understanding is the GCVWR is 8500. You are saying the Lib will weigh in at 4k? Given that calculation, I can safely tow 3150 @ 70%. That seems pretty incredible to me but numbers don't lie. Are my numbers accurate? And how does the vehicle spec at 5600 and the weight is said to be 4k? Where is that difference.

Thanks.

 

[tjkj2002]

Great feedback on the AT vs MT. I think I'll stay focused on other things.

Getting into towing, my understanding is the GCVWR is 8500. You are saying the Lib will weigh in at 4k? Given that calculation, I can safely tow 3150 @ 70%. That seems pretty incredible to me but numbers don't lie. Are my numbers accurate? And how does the vehicle spec at 5600 and the weight is said to be 4k? Where is that difference.

Thanks.

GVWR is Gross Vehicle Weight Rating which is the total weight of all cargo,passengers,and vehicle that it's designed for,it's not the vehicle weight.


A 3.7 KJ with the tow package and auto trans can tow 5000lbs,no tow package it's 2500lbs.A 3.7 KJ with the tow package and a manual trans can only tow 3500lbs.The clutch is the limiting factor.

 

[turblediesel]

Liberty CRD is limited to 5000 pounds towing. Not in overdrive. Frontal area of trailer can't exceed 8' x 8' so a teardrop would help.

I had a Fiat 124 Spider. Fun ride!