LS swap into WJ / WG Grand Cherokee and other stuff (ahem...attempt).

[Hoobz]

I often wonder about pro mechanics and car customisers, and whoever that do this for a living, looking at threads like this, and thinking 'lookit at this guy, how cute, what a hack. He's got some pain coming his way...over an LS1? How lame. LOL'. Hahaha

I never ever go into building/carpentry/joinery forums and stuff, I can't do it.

Originally Posted by ren0vator

Looks like a great way to have fun
Do I spy an FJ1100 in your stable ?
Always great to see people having a go
#encouragement

Yes, FJ11. Had it for about 15 years.



I'd just dusted it off and started to restore and re-register it. I've got all the plastics for it, even the underside engine fairing bit. Not in great shape, but I like it.

I was moving stuff around a few weeks ago, and sure I checked the sidestand was down properly...turned around and 'BANG CRUNCH'

It fall. Fairing landed directly on a transfer case



Bizarrely, I was lying in bed early this morning, actually thinking about the original fairing I damaged, and how sad it makes me. Your post was the first thing I read this morning

It's the early model, and the VIN is something like *****000000000000250

Originally Posted by billygoat

Les Richmond Automotive is doing great things with LS motors and 6 speed autos. But as you say they are not cheap.
Check em out on youtube if you want to see some engineering porn

I just subscribed to his channel, and bookmarked his webpage. Might come in handy. Sometimes it's that one phone call that gets you over that hump. Thanks.

I have a folder full of related links for this project. Got so many I need to make my own search engine to decipher them all

[Hoobz]

I wasn't going to post yet, but not much posting goin' on in Ausjeep tonight, so a quick update.

Most of the tranny rebuild bits I want are on the way in the mail. I still have to get a valve body separator plate. Thought I ordered one, appears I did not. They're pretty cheap and easy to get quick.

One of the check my balls was jammed in the plate. Common issue with this very check ball. You can get repair kits to fix checkball damage, but I'd rather just get a new Transgo plate or something.





I'll whack up pics and info when the parts arrive.

Only just tonight I decided I'll grab an Advanced Adaptors 4L60e to 23 spline Jeep transfer case adaptor GM 4L60E / 4L65E 4 speed automatic transmission to the Jeep NP231 transfer case with 23 spline input shaft, adapter kit. I want the GM speed sensor in front of the transfer case.

Have to wait until next week to order it though. Budgets suck When that's on it's way I'll pay some attention to the LS.

Originally, I was only planning on doing a light rebuild of the tranny, while I had it in bits to change output shaft and tail housing from 2WD to 4WD. Whoever had this Statesman either never cained it, or had it rebuilt. It's not worn much at all. Shafts all smooth, bushes quite ok, even bloody friction plates aren't really needing changing And the band is surprisingly good Getting a Statesman, instead of an SS Commodore, or similar, looks like it's paid off a bit. Far cheaper to buy and not flogged.

But, then, may as well rebuild it to take playing with high stalls, hot cams, HPTuning and stuff. Just in case. Of course. This is going to be my long term engine-trans swap set up, whether this project is successful or not. Got plan B (XJ) and plans C and D vehicles in my head also May as well take the chance to make it a fun auto, in whatever it ends up in.

I've spent many more hours this week researching and planning some more. Got some more ideas on how to attack the old WJ Grand Cherro PCM and associated control module issues heading my way at the speed of sound.

Making this weekend a long weekend camping trip. School holidays are over, it's winter, and need to have a rest from this and other projects for a bit.

[JeanLuke]

Keep the updates coming!

[Grippy]

Sounds like a Birdsnest of wiring heading your way too 👍
Where you heading for the weekend?

Sent from my SM-T590 using Aussie Jeep Offroad mobile app

[Hoobz]

Originally Posted by Grippy

Sounds like a Birdsnest of wiring heading your way too 👍
Where you heading for the weekend?

Sent from my SM-T590 using Aussie Jeep Offroad mobile app

Oh soo soo hoping I don't need to take out the dash

Just going into the Otways here, for some forest and beach scenery. I need to sit on a camp chair, stare and veg out for a few days

[Grippy]

That's the way, a few nights under the canvas always does you good. I went away recently too. Was hoping for more sitting in a camp chair but enjoyed giving money to the country pubs waaaay too much 👍before crawling into the swag

Sent from my SM-T590 using Aussie Jeep Offroad mobile app

[Hoobz]

Came back from 3 nights and days camping at Blanket Bay Campground in Cape Otway. Wanted to stay longer but not a good idea to keep a high schooler away from school at the moment.

Plus I have to get back to the grind so I can buy stuff anyway.

Bonus to coming home was there was a package waiting at the post office Yay. Always fun getting packages.


Transmission bits.



I can't remember what I've typed previously, but there's a few bits in the pic I don't really need. It's just easier to get the whole rebuild kit, than to pick stuff out to buy, or have them removed from the kit. Just get the kit. Everyhting in the pic is goin' in if it's needed or not.

On the top right, the castleated drum thing, that's the sunshell. Notorious for failing. Every rebuilder and their dog says to replace that sucker no matter what. I couldn't tell if it's been done before, so I got it. It's pretty cheap insurance, they don't cost much.

Bottom right, just above the C shaped band, is a special tool. The T-handle gizmo. I usually make my own special tools as I go, but this time I caved. It's for removing a spring loaded section deep inside the case.



This is the Transgo Clutch spring kit. The guy on the box looks like an Old school performance bloke, so the kits should be good



I got these other Transgo good bits mostly from the advice I've received. Truseted these blokes knew a good thing, didn't know exactly how the parts worked.

After reading the info and instructions I've learnt a bit, and glad I'm going more than a light standard rebuild.



Here's the Transgo HD2 Reprogramming Kit. I made this a bigger pic, so you can read the details.




I still need to order the separator plate, 4WD tailhousing and shaft, get those, then I'll reassemble this auto.


I think I've kept forgetting to mention, I'm regearing to 4.56 also, somewhere along the line.