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AW-4 - Can it be made to work without a TCU

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flejl View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flejl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: AW-4 - Can it be made to work without a TCU
    Posted: Jul/06/2022 at 4:54pm
I may be able to pick up an AW4 trans out of a 2wd Jeep Cherokee with 4.0L Engine, but without the TCU.

Can this be made to work behind a Gen3 AMC V8 (304-401) without the TCU?



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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 79Spirit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/06/2022 at 6:39pm
Not worth the effort IMO. Unless you really need an OD trans the TF999 is the easiest bolt in solution to handle V8 power cheap. I have one in my Spirit and in my Jeep   AW4 is a good trans but not for a V8. I got 180k out of one in a 4.0 stroker before I blew it up  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote purple72Gremlin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 8:12am
TCU is what controls the shifting.. no TCU. no shifting..   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CamJam Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 10:28am
AW4 is rated for 450 lb-ft torque so will handle any stock AMC V8.  You can run it without the TCU but will have to shift it manually.  TCU are easy to find.  I have not confirmed this but am told that the TCU is the same between 2WD and 4WD.  There are plenty of 4WD in wrecking yards.  Best to find a 92-95.5 TCU as after that they interfaced with the ECM.  On the Cherokee XJ, you will find the TCU behind the dash on the passenger's side.

AW4 from a Jeep will bolt up to all '72 up AMC V8.  You'll need to use the Jeep starter and flex plate.  Flex plate will need to be match balanced to your old flex plate, but other than that it's an easy swap.  

My '72 Javelin 304 has been running an AW4 for four years now.  My '73 has the TF727.  TF is obviously a great transmission, but I always find myself wishing for that extra gear when I drive it on the highway.


Edited by CamJam - Jul/07/2022 at 10:39am
'73 Javelin 360 (current project)
'72 Baja Bronze Javelin SST
'69 Big Bad Orange AMX (2018 Teague Heritage Award) SOLD

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SC397 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 11:46am
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote sweatlock Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 1:35pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flejl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 2:11pm
The car is a 71 Javelin SST with a 304 and M44 I picked up last year as a project when I retire.  I am hoping to retire at the end of the year, but my 401K is "not liking" the current economy so that could change.

Along the way i have been trying to pick up parts when I find them, so far, I picked up an 80 something 360 from a FS Jeep and just recently a 73 401, so either one may find its way into the car in the future.

With $5 or more a gallon gas, I like the idea of an OD trans.

I have a 700R4 left over from another project already but have an unexpected opportunity to pick up an AW4 trans from a 2WD Jeep, plus driveshaft with the slip yoke, and flexplate.

I think I still need to pick up a TCU, 4.0 L starter wiring harness or at least the correct connectors.  

I would prefer to use the original floor shifter in the car and if possible, not require a TCU, but it seems the TCU is required from what I have read.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Heavy 488 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 2:55pm
Good luck on getting a flex plate to fit that pre-72 engine
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote flejl Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 3:53pm
The game plan will be to use the newer 360 or 401 if I have to or just decide to go to a new trans like an AW4; worst case if I were to stick with the 304, the I would use the crank from the 360 since it is later than 72. 

My understanding is if I do the above, I can use the flex plate from the 4.0, or is that not correct?

If I were to use the 700R4 I have, the 360 and 401 came out of jeeps with TH400 trans flex plates, so I would hope they would work if the adapter plates I have seen for sale do not include.

I am still thinking and still confused....




Edited by flejl - Jul/07/2022 at 4:03pm
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Heavy 488 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Jul/07/2022 at 4:25pm
Flex plate would have to be match balanced to the flex plate of whichever engine you choose. Most likely you will have to use proper 4.0 jeep starter
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