Well I did it.......401/4L80E/242 conversion begins

[Billygoat]

Pulled the trigger on a 4L80E an NP242 to go behind the 401 I am working on for Thumper. I am sure this will get costly before it is done....

[JeepinPete]

Very cool. What is your plan for controlling the 4L80E?

[Billygoat]

I have a 7427 PCM waiting in the wings.
I really should put in on the 360 while I work on the 401

After I get my buddies 2 vehicles running and out of my shop.....

[fulsizjeep]

Do you have a flexplate solution? The 360 and 401 use different flex plates because they are balanced differently.

[Billygoat]

Originally Posted by fulsizjeep

Do you have a flexplate solution? The 360 and 401 use different flex plates because they are balanced differently.

I have a rough quote from novak, pretty sure it includes a flexplate with the adapter ring - if not I will have to punt. Novak said to call them when I have the tranny in my hands so we can work out the details, I guess there are a few minor variations depending on what it was in originally.
Same with the t-case to tranny adapter.

[babywag]

I almost purchased an adapter from them...
Only issue (other than the $$$), was they couldn't verify that anyone has actually used it with a 4l80E behind an AMC 360.

#437AMC-3 is that the one you're looking @?
That was 1-2 years ago though, so maybe they have more knowledge regarding the swap now?

I still want to swap in my 4l80e, especially since I already have the 7427 pcm installed.

Keep everyone posted

[Billygoat]

I'll do a thread putting it all together - I really hope to retain the stock column shifter - don't care if I loose the ability to put it in 1st manually.
My buddies truck is a 4.3 with a fried 4L60E and looking at that column shifter (cable to tranny) I think I can rig up something - that truck is also the reason I did not want a 4L60E or 700R4 behind a 401 pulling a camper!

Heck even if I am the first one to use their adapter I ain't a scared - someone has to be first!

[jaber]

Eagerly watching this. Thanks.

[J20 project]

Curious here, If a 4l80e is a computer controlled th400,,,is it possible to put the guts, etc into a Jeep specific case?

J20 project

[Billygoat]

J20 Project - I doubt it, simply being 3spd (400) to 4spd (4L80E)

And my junkyard find has arrived!


It has a GM reman sticker on it - so it is a used reman I guess??
Fluid that spilled out is a nice dark red
I know you are thinking bright red is ATF color, but on a used unit dark red tells me it was in use, not burnt, no filings in it, and not a fresh change trying to hide something.

[MonsterZ]

Good tip on the AFT color. Eagerly watching this also.

[COLOFIREMAN]

...looking forward to seeing how you overcome the a few things. Good luck

[grimgaunt]

Originally Posted by J20 project

Curious here, If a 4l80e is a computer controlled th400,,,is it possible to put the guts, etc into a Jeep specific case?

J20 project

Bud, I actually did some research on this a few yrs ago and found that it was not possible - more like the A518/727 relationship

[InfiniteWisdumb]

Originally Posted by grimgaunt

Bud, I actually did some research on this a few yrs ago and found that it was not possible - more like the A518/727 relationship

Thats interesting since I have a A518/TF727 in my GW. Ristow is the creator of this unit. He welded the bellhousing of the 727 to the A518. No additional adapter plate needed. Runs great behind my 401

[710 Burner]

Originally Posted by Billygoat

I'll do a thread putting it all together - I really hope to retain the stock column shifter - don't care if I loose the ability to put it in 1st manually.
My buddies truck is a 4.3 with a fried 4L60E and looking at that column shifter (cable to tranny) I think I can rig up something - that truck is also the reason I did not want a 4L60E or 700R4 behind a 401 pulling a camper!

Heck even if I am the first one to use their adapter I ain't a scared - someone has to be first!

I was wondering why you couldn' do a hybrid column. I had an '84 K5 once that had an OD trans (assume700R4) in it. I don't remember if it had a cable or not. I'm thinking not.

[JeepinPete]

You will need to find earlier year linkages. The 727 linkages are completely different. I have installed a 4L80E in a '88 Wagoneer, and the older TH400 linkages worked with a bit of tweaking. Seems the 4L80E is a bit wider than the TH400, so I shortened the linkage between the trans and the frame.

[Billygoat]

Originally Posted by JeepinPete

You will need to find earlier year linkages. The 727 linkages are completely different. I have installed a 4L80E in a '88 Wagoneer, and the older TH400 linkages worked with a bit of tweaking. Seems the 4L80E is a bit wider than the TH400, so I shortened the linkage between the trans and the frame.

Thanks for the tip - I was thinking about a hybrid cable shifter with the column, but it is all in theory so far, maybe get to a yard tomorrow to pull supplies.

Ordered the engine to tranny adapter and tranny to t-case adapter from Novak - that lightened the pocket book...
Although I do hope to gain a little mpg with the overdrive (should put my 60mph rpm's at 1900/2000 instead of 2400/2500) I AM NOT expecting it to pay for itself.
More of a neat factor having computer controlled power train, in an extended cab/sportside truck that was never available from the factory with any of the options (including the 401!)

[Woodchomper]

Sounds like a great build. Keep the pictures coming. Good Luck!

[addicted]

This will cost a bit more than altering a factory set up, but is pretty slick. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/LOK-ACA-1804/
and FYI it will not work with an AW4.

[FSJ Guy]

SWEET!!!! Looking forward to this build!!