700R4 vs 4L60e questions

[FlashGordon]

For cruising with lower RPM at 60 mph highway speed I want to replace the stock TF727 with a 700R4 or with a 4L60e (not for efficiency just more comfort -- now approx 2900 RPM and I supose with OD/4th gear I suppose 2200 RPM)).
No engine swap planned (so the Wagoneer keeps the very beneficial "historic car"-license plate in my country:


I read a lot here about the trans-differences but want to ask once more:

1) Gear-indicator-case and column shifter
Can I keep my stock honeybrown-coloured gear-indicator-case
or do I have to replace it because of the overdrive-extra-gear
when I go with the 700R4?
How does your solution look like?


2) My understanding is I don't have to change anything concerning
the gear-indicator-case /gear-indicator / shifter when I go with the
4L60e -- because everything is done electronically/automatically
(and more expensive because of the extra controller e.g.)
Correct?

3)
It seems that I need a Controller for the 4L60e

'Babywag' wrote here in the Forum, that GMs ECM 16197427 could be a cheap standalone controller solution.

Question:
Does anybody know if any part 16197427 will fit in this Situation (AMC 360 engine, any 4L60e Transmission from 1996 or so until 2008 or so)?

I ask because some seller say "... fits PROM code: BJYL..." or "... fits GM trucks 1995-1996..."

maybe this would only important when also swap an LS engine into the Jeep but not when keeping the old AMC engine
Correct?


4) Sometimes I read that it was necessary "to flash" the ECM/computer.
Question:
I suppose this might be only a situation when also doing an LS engine swap or so but will not be relevant when keeping the old AMC 360.
Correct?

[RamJetFSJ]

The 4L60e still needs the same linkage to select gears as the 700R4. Just when and how it shifts between gears automatically is the part controlled electronically. Sorry, can't help you on the controller questions.

[Mikel]

How about an AW4? Should be much easier to find in Europe.

[Cecil14]

How about an AW4? Should be much easier to find in Europe.

Much easier to bolt in as well, as there's no adapters required. The controller is also standalone out of any early 90s XJ, with the addition of a few sensors (required for the 4L60e as well, I would guess).

[FlashGordon]

AW4

What is an AW4?

[FlashGordon]

... no adapters required?
It will direct bolt on the AMC 360 engine?

If so easy, shouldn‘t it be first Choice then?
Or is it weaker (not a problem for me I think, because I only cruise around)

And could I keep my NP229 without any adapter?
Or is there an good alternative?

Any universal or Jeep-specific controller needed?

[joe]

Don't know all the years used but generally from 90's era XJ's My 90 and 96 XJ's had them. Good AT.

[FlashGordon]

Yes, XJ parts are easier to find here in Europe
Thanks a lot for this advice

[Cecil14]

The AW4 is a good solid medium duty auto. The same foundation was used in the turbocharged Supras of the same era (A340 maybe?) and held up very well.

I believe the AW4 was used through pretty much all of the 1990s. You should be able to keep the NP229, as they will both be 23 spline, but you will need to measure the stick out length on the transmission. I do recall if it stayed the same or not. You could also just grab the NP242 out of the same XJ and run that. Those can run in part time and full time modes, and will guaranteed bolt up.

I am also not positive which flexplate you will need. The 4.0L plate should bolt up, but it will not be balanced correctly for the 360. You can likely take your existing plate and the 4.0L to a good machinist and have them match balanced, so the 4.0L plate will work on your 360. Novak or Advance Adapters may make a 360 specific AW4 flexplate as well, not sure.

The only piece of caution I can think of is to watch out for the early transmissions (~'87-'90 or so), they may have used a 21 spline output shaft which you will not want.

[Mikel]

If you search, you will find many AW4 swap threads on this site.

[FlashGordon]

AW4

If you search, you will find many AW4 swap threads on this site.

Didn‘t know that before so I never looked for this solution.