What auto trans options in 86 4x4 with 2.8L?

[10thta]

HI all.  I am looking at purchasing an 86 4x4 parts truck that needs a tranny.  Its a 2.8L auto.  Anyone know what other autos will bolt right up?  Wondering if any later model XJ auto trans will bolt up without mods to trans/xfer case, or speedo wiring, etc.  

 

Thanks.  

[10thta]

Just to clarify...truck is fairly complete and I am looking at saving it if I can get a title, and find a trans

[eaglescout526]

Any other possible GM 60* auto trans but you might have issues with lining up the rear crossmember. Otherwise no, no other years will bolt up unless you find a 2.5L auto(AW4 and not Chrysler A700-900 series) which shares the same bolt pattern as the 2.8L. Or going manual is an option.

[10thta]

thx.  Did that 86 2.8L orig come with the A700?  And would a modern XJ 2.5 AW4 (97-01) fit or is bolt pattern different from the older year XJ?

[eaglescout526]

The 2.8L would’ve come with the newer A900 series. That’s the key is finding a 2.5L with an AW4. That engine was commonly mated with the manual AX5 trans. So if you find one, that’s a lucky find. As for the year on the AW4, I do not know. I’m sure someone who knows the AW4 better than I do will chime. 

[Minuit]

The AW4 stopped being available behind the 2.5L engine in 1991 in XJs and MJs.

[10thta]

Appreciate the insights guys.  So are there any other trans options for the 86 2.8L/auto/4x4 setup other than finding an

original trans? 

[eaglescout526]

Manual transmissions of the AX4 and 5. If you’re lucky enough, you can find a Dakota 2.5L bell house to swap an AX15 in. 

[dasbulliwagen]

The A904 auto used behind the 2.8 is a smaller version of the TF727 Chrysler transmission. They were offered behind small Chrysler V8's and slant 6's in the Chrysler lineup. There are shift kits available to make that trans more reliable, but the downside is no 4th gear or overdrive. Nothing different you replace it with will be a direct bolt in with no other changes. Your transfer case may bolt up, either the NP207 or NP228/229, but youll probably need different drive shafts, and maybe a different crossmember. If you don't want to change anything else, a direct replacement is your only alternative.

 

Another alternatve might be the 700R4/ 4L60 from a 2.8-3.1-3.4-3.8 equipped GM vehicle, but again, everything will need changed to make that work. 

[derf]

Yeah, a 700R4 or early 4L60 (same transmission with a different name) would be my choice.  It is a fully hydraulic transmission with the only electrical component being the lock up torque converter. 

 

I would avoid the electronically controlled 4L60E which came out in the 90s.  It's basically the same transmission but went to full computer control.

 

You will need the right transmission bellhousing.  Yours is the 60 degree v6 pattern.  The much more common 90 degree pattern won't bolt up.

[omega_rugal]

a TF999 or TF 909  are your only choices

 

an AW4 out of a 2.5l will require a torque converter out of an isuzu and I'm not sure if its plug and play

 

a 700R4 out of a blazer may be another option or a TH350 with the 60 deg bolt pattern, a full size 4L60 would be to heavy for the small 2.8 to handle

 

go for a full engine+trans swap... either a 4.0+aw4 or a 2.5+aw4, or if you really want to stay GM get the entire drivetrain out of an old camaro

[10thta]

great responses guys.  Thanks.