Jeep Trans in a Pacer?

Since you're in FL, finding a 2wd Cherokee will be probably easier than finding a 4wd one. It will take a little fabrication of a rear transmission mount, a bit of wiring and possibly some driveshaft length change, but since you are doing the 4.0L swap at the same time, it makes sense to do the transmission swap. A Grand Cherokee(ZJ) is an option, but I prefer the AW4 transmission found in the Cherokee over the 42RE. Plus the Cherokee(XJ) wiring won't be quite as difficult.

The 42RE was only used a couple years in the Grand Cherokee, most with 4.0L use the AW4. Easiest models to swap in are pre 96. The 87-90 Renix version is the easiest to wire, but most people don't like the fact that it has no real on board diagnostics (but it's relatively easy to troubleshoot -- I've been running a Renix in my 63 Classic since 1999). 91-95 use OBD1. If you get a basic 96+ XJ Cherokee (later called Cherokee Classic) system you should be okay, but those with a lot of bells and whistles (which means most Grand Cherokees) are harder to wire. The more factory security systems built-in (chipped key, etc.) the more trouble you'll have with wiring. Those can be overcome, but you'll have to figure out why it's not cranking then defeat the system. One fellow just super glued the chipped key in the original switch and zip tied the assembly under the dash, splicing the Jeep (it was a CJ-7) switch into the correct wires, leaving the chipped switch in the "run" position all the time.

I advocate using the Jeep harness in full rather than separating the engine and body wiring. Much easier!! May have to change a few connectors and lengthen a few wires (for lights and such), but it's pretty quick and easy. You just need to unplug (not cut!) the wires from the firewall of the Jeep and get the pin-out for the connector. Cut the wires from the Pacer firewall connector, splice like wires, then run the few extra wires in (only a few... like the check engine light)... done! Plus you have newer under hood wiring.

He just got it backards!

jpnjim wrote: carnuck wrote: He just got it backards! Agree. Farna has forgotten more about AMC 6's than most of us (me included!) will ever know

Not like any of us have ever done that either!