8 speed swap

[Smokeyyank]

So was over on jeepforum and someone is trying to do things for 8 speed swaps. Wasn't sure if anyone has heard of them, but I had not. After going through the thread seems like a silly option versus whats out there but wondering what others thoughts are. 

 

https://www.jeepforum.com/threads/8hp-swap-kits-for-5-2-5-9-and-4-0-jeeps.4504490/

[89 MJ]

I saw they said it was only for 96+ Jeeps.
 

It would make it so much quicker and so much better on fuel. 

 

I did go through a bunch of research with this the other day in regards to putting one of these transmissions behind an LS. A lot of this information will be relevant though. You need a lot of parts. 
1. transmission

2. transfer case/transfer case adapter

3. Bellhousing adapter

4. flexplate/torque converter adapter

5. Driveshafts 

6. transmission computer

 

Just the transmission, TCU, and adapter will run about $5k from my recent research. For that kind of money, I’d be looking at an LS swap. 
 

The other problem is with the shifts. The Chrysler computer detunes the engine when the trans is going to shift. The aftermarket trans computers don’t have the capability to do that because it is just for the transmission. Probably not a huge deal with our low powered Jeeps, but still something to be aware of when you’re in a high traction situation. 
 

To me, something that is very important is parts being able to be found. Let’s say the ring gear on this custom flexplate goes bad. How long will it take and how much will it cost to get a new one? What happens if he decides to stop making them in a couple of years?

 

Ultimately, possible parts availability in the future and the risk of blowing through the clutches in a high throttle high traction situation were why my dad and I decided not to go that route in his truck. 

[Smokeyyank]

Appreciate the insight and I agree. Would rather LS swap then deal with a tranny. Who knows maybe in a few years it comes along.  

[derf]

The new 8 speed ZF transmissions are great.  I have on ein my JL and it really does well.

 

I wouldn't try to swap one on to an older engine.

 

When it comes to newer engines and transmissions, the electronics make swaps inconvenient at best.  If I were doing a full engine/trans/tcase swap and keeping everything together, that would be different.

[pizzaman09]

I understand that ZF8 speed swaps are the hot swap for off roaders in Australia.  They are incredibly capable and tunable transmissions apparently.  

My parent's have one in their Grand Cherokee, it's a phenomenal transmission for towing.

[89 MJ]

53 minutes ago, pizzaman09 said:

 

I understand that ZF8 speed swaps are the hot swap for off roaders in Australia.  They are incredibly capable and tunable transmissions apparently.  

My parent's have one in their Grand Cherokee, it's a phenomenal transmission for towing.

 

A lot of drifters use them too. I’ll have to do more research about those off roaders. Makes me wonder if it’s off roading where the tires are spinning a lot of time or if it’s under traction. They seem like a great trans so long as it is controlled with the same computer as the engine and the engine is detuned for shifts. Chrysler uses these in Hellcats, Demons, and 3/4 ton trucks after all, but they take a ton of power out of them for shifts, which couldn’t really be done with a separate engine and transmission computer from my research. 

[Smokeyyank]

Digging around some more found these guys. 

https://www.soundgermanautomotive.com/pcs

They sell a standalone TCU. 

[89 MJ]

1 hour ago, Smokeyyank said:

Digging around some more found these guys. 

https://www.soundgermanautomotive.com/pcs

They sell a standalone TCU. 

TurboLamik also sells one and it seems to

be the more common option.