isuzu 4t why not use isuzu auto trans?

[151]

I am picking up a '97 NPR tomorrow. Using the 4bd2t as a swapper in my '87 wagoneer.

I have read tons of info on adapters for GM trans and others, but do not remember anyone saying why not just use the stock isuzu auto with overdrive.

Is there something that I just do not know about 4x4 and a trans out of a two wheel drive?

Thanks

[JeepinPete]

You could certainly use the Isuzu spec tranny. You will have to also use a divorced transfer case to keep your Wagoneer 4wd. I believe some of the 4BD2Ts used a computer controlled trans, so that adds another wrinkle to things.

[151]

How big of a wrinkle? I have a complete well running NPR. Would you keep the engine/trans/computer as is, or remove the computer and go with a different trans?

Or any combination of options?

I was having a hard time understanding why everyone was putting so much effort into using GM transmissions, due to me not knowing anything about them.

[JeepinPete]

If you have the entire truck, should be no problem at all. Find a factory service manual so you can trace out the wiring harness and pull out things you don't need.

[Chumley360]

I've seen where some of the Cruiser guys have used the bell housing from the Isuzu trans and mated it up to the A440 trans from the Cruisers. Most all of the AW auto transmissions share a bell-to-trans mounting pattern, so they're interchangable. If it's a 4BD with the JATCO trans, then I think you're on your own or you'll need to go with the divorced t-case. I can't remember if it's the early or later truck models that use the JATCO trans instead of the AW. I think the 4btswaps forum and/or the Ih8tmud forum has the info, but both sites have good info on the 4BD, and later, Isuzu diesels.

[151]

Thanks for the info guys.

Are there reasons not to go with the divorced transfer case? People don't seem keen on doing that.

If the DTC isnt a horrible idea, what TC would you use?

[Chumley360]

I think the biggest hangup with a divorced case is drive shaft lengths. The other would be that they were used less than married style cases, so there are just fewer of them. If you go divorced then you'd probably be looking at a NP205. Go with one from a Chevy or Dodge for a passenger side drop, or a Ford for a driver's drop. If you've got the cash I think you can get a Stak case or an Atlas setup for use as divorced. There are some others out there like the NP200 & NP202, Dana24, there used to be a kit to make a D18/20 into a divorced unit, as well as others. The 205 is probably the most prevalent.

[Towtruck]

I just sold my 2000 NPR. Fantastic engine (slightly more power than the one you purchased, I believe....cross flow head, etc. Electronically shifted transmission on that year. Tough unit though. You can find the entire maintenance manual for the whole truck on-line. I often considered that drivetrain for my pickup, although I would have made it two wheel drive. Best possible diesel swap for an FSJ....modern, efficient and powerful right out of the box. Beats the Cummins 4 in every regard.

Only one significant issue that I could see...the starter location, which is right where the accelerator pedal is mounted (at least on my NPR). What's your plan?

[151]

Originally Posted by Towtruck

I just sold my 2000 NPR. Fantastic engine (slightly more power than the one you purchased, I believe....cross flow head, etc. Electronically shifted transmission on that year. Tough unit though. You can find the entire maintenance manual for the whole truck on-line. I often considered that drivetrain for my pickup, although I would have made it two wheel drive. Best possible diesel swap for an FSJ....modern, efficient and powerful right out of the box. Beats the Cummins 4 in every regard.

Only one significant issue that I could see...the starter location, which is right where the accelerator pedal is mounted (at least on my NPR). What's your plan?

My only plan is to pay someone much smarter and better equiped than myself to do the swap.

Wish I could do it myself, and I probably could if I had three jeeps two engines and a decade to finish.

[mdill]

From what I have read I like the Isuzu B4 better then the Cummins, now if Cummins would import the ISF3.8 mated to a Allison 1000 (Have to figure out how to get one from one of the China or Austrailia bus/truck builders)
that would be the my personal choice.

[Chumley360]

Originally Posted by mdill

From what I have read I like the Isuzu B4 better then the Cummins, now if Cummins would import the ISF3.8 mated to a Allison 1000 (Have to figure out how to get one from one of the China or Austrailia bus/truck builders)
that would be the my personal choice.

x2

The Cummins ISF series of engines makes me drool every time I think about them.