Is it possible to swap out a regular 4 wheel drive transition case to a Selec-Trac 4X4?

[CCR]

Is it possible to swap out a regular 4 wheel drive transition case to a Selec-Trac 4X4? Although I live in Southern California, I travel one to two times a month to the mountains in Mammoth Lakes, which is at an elevation of 8000 feet. During the winter, Mammoth Lakes often gets very severe winter storms. For me, it is not only important that I have four-wheel-drive when I drive in the snow but that I have automatic four-wheel-drive. It is a safety issue for me. If I unknowingly hit black ice and can’t see it ahead of time, I’m not going to have enough time to change to 4 wheel dr. In addition, I don’t want to keep the car in four-wheel-drive at all times because it reduces my gas mileage. I have my eyes on a new 2021 High Altitude. It appears to be almost fully loaded. I’ve been looking for a white, fully loaded High Altitude for a long time and finally found one. Surprisingly however, and very disappointing I might add, is that this particular High Altitude does not include the selec-trac 4X4. The dealership informed me that I could swap out the transition case for the selec-trac. They told me I would need to go to a performance shop or that certain Jeep dealerships might have a performance shop within their dealership. Does anyone know if this swap has been done before, if it’s safe, and will last as long as the original transition case would have lasted? How much does something like this cost? Does anyone know of a reputable performance shop in Southern California who can take care of this for me? Thank you!

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[Blade1668]

On older Jeeps it wouldn't be much to change to swap out transfer case from "command Trac to select Trac" (231 to 242) same drive shafts just shifter, console and or face plate for it. Plus disconnect in front axle on certain models. That was in XJ and MJ line.
Now on JL/JT possible a lot more problematic do to computer controls like traction control, advanced ABS and what not. I'm just guessing though..... In other words my SWAG.?

 

[CCR]

On older Jeeps it wouldn't be much to change to swap out transfer case from "command Trac to select Trac" (231 to 242) same drive shafts just shifter, console and or face plate for it. Plus disconnect in front axle on certain models. That was in XJ and MJ line.
Now on JL/JT possible a lot more problematic do to computer controls like traction control, advanced ABS and what not. I'm just guessing though..... In other words my SWAG.?

Thank you so much

On older Jeeps it wouldn't be much to change to swap out transfer case from "command Trac to select Trac" (231 to 242) same drive shafts just shifter, console and or face plate for it. Plus disconnect in front axle on certain models. That was in XJ and MJ line.
Now on JL/JT possible a lot more problematic do to computer controls like traction control, advanced ABS and what not. I'm just guessing though..... In other words my SWAG.?

Thank you so much for your thoughts on this! I realize after reading your response that I meant “transfer” case, not “transition case”. Thank you for the correction. Anyone else have an idea?

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

TBH if that’s a must have, maybe keep searching. You have a chance to get it done right, i.e. from the factory. I’m a bit surprised the dealer told you it could be swapped instead of trying to help you find a better option. Even if you can physically swap it, you have to source the parts and figure out how to get it flashed. And there’s always the added risk of a bad install.

I know it’s not super helpful about the question itself, but you may still want to consider that.

 

[Gobi Wan K]

This will probably fall under the category of yes it is possible but not worth it. A quick trip around the inter webs and although I couldn't find a part number I found a price range that will put you around 2k for the transfer case. I would probably add several hundred more for the correct shifter/bezel/etc. I do not know but maybe it uses different drive shafts. Now install will probably be let's say 5 hours so we will call it $800 in labor. So at well past 3k would it be worth it? I doubt it. And that is if you can really do it. This wouldn't be the first time a dealer would tell a customer something can be done to sell a car when they really have no idea. Making changes like this isn't as easy as it was back in the analog days. Heck I swapped an AW4 auto Trans into my TJ a while back and it worked great. I suggest putting out a wider search and finding what you want. $800 or a grand to ship a JT from one coast to the other would be a much better investment.

 

[CCR]

TBH if that’s a must have, maybe keep searching. You have a chance to get it done right, i.e. from the factory. I’m a bit surprised the dealer told you it could be swapped instead of trying to help you find a better option. Even if you can physically swap it, you have to source the parts and figure out how to get it flashed. And there’s always the added risk of a bad install.

I know it’s not super helpful about the question itself, but you may still want to consider that.

Yes, I do need to consider looking for a truck that already has the selec-trac already on it. Thank for reminding me that there’s always the option to keep searching. It’s already been a really difficult journey. I had my heart set on a white truck High Altitude that was fully loaded. This one has everything except the selec-trac, which is really surprising. Thanks again.

 

[DAVECS1]

Actually my wife has an HA with select-trac and I have a Gladiator without it. I have looked it over and I believe the transfer cases will swap, with no change in parts. They both even have the same position sensor plug. Her dash cluster does has the same Gear indicator as mine with 4 high and 2H and 4 low, but when it is in partime it 4H it indicates it center message center. My guess is when the shifter is in the right position this shows up. It may need programmed, but I have programmed my Gladiator extensively and the only option for changing transfer gear input is a menu that says AWD. I don't think that it is meant for this transfer case.

 

[DankjeeP]

Yes, I do need to consider looking for a truck that already has the selec-trac already on it. Thank for reminding me that there’s always the option to keep searching. It’s already been a really difficult journey. I had my heart set on a white truck High Altitude that was fully loaded. This one has everything except the selec-trac, which is really surprising. Thanks again.

Why not just order a truck the way you want it?

 

[869 KPH]

@CCR, I don't think this is possible, or if it even is, worth it. I think the switch would also require you to change everything between the wheel and the differentials, including switching to CV joints. Sounds like a lot of $$$ and headache for something like a $600 option from the factory.

 

[brianinca]

Exactly, it's not the case swap alone, it's the front half-shafts being drastically different, with so many cans of worms to open.

To the original purpose, I'm skeptical that "black ice" is more manageable with AWD than the standard electronic traction control. I've got one solid winter under my belt with the JTR and the performance in snow & ice is nothing short of phenomenal for a pickup. Staying in 2Hi until absolutely necessary meant two feet of snow well off pavement! I had to pop in to 4Hi to make the turn out of this dirt parking lot:

AWD is a convenience, having had a Ford and an H2 with that baked in, but it is not a solution for finding traction where there is none. Ice is not rain, and rain where AWD really shines.

I can't tell if you've purchased the JT yet, but if not, the dealer is trying to make the sale at all costs, not getting you what you need. Order and wait, or trade vehicles for what you deem necessary, converting to AWD is not a valid option.

@CCR, I don't think this is possible, or if it even is, worth it. I think the switch would also require you to change everything between the wheel and the differentials, including switching to CV joints. Sounds like a lot of $$$ and headache for something like a $600 option from the factory.

 

[DAVECS1]

The connections at the transfer case and their location is exactly the same, between the two cases. I will take pictures tonite. Not saying this person should buy that vehicle. I am saying the information about what needs changed and what doesn't is not correct. I have both in my garage and have studied the swap.

 

[869 KPH]

The connections at the transfer case and their location is exactly the same, between the two cases. I will take pictures tonite. Not saying this person should buy that vehicle. I am saying the information about what needs changed and what doesn't is not correct. I have both in my garage and have studied the swap.

look at your wheels then - they will have different setups where the axle connects. I've read plenty of threads here and on the JL side where people discuss whether or not having to use CV joints is worth the switch to full-time.

 

[DAVECS1]

I will look at the axles, but if it is clutching in the transfer case, then I would not see a need to change the axle outers unless you planned to leave it in 4 high auto for a significant amount of time. CV outers will handle extended duty cycles much better, of course, but I dont think they are a requirement. I will check the wife's axles and see what she has.

 

[869 KPH]

I will look at the axles, but if it is clutching in the transfer case, then I would not see a need to change the axle outers unless you planned to leave it in 4 high auto for a significant amount of time. CV outers will handle extended duty cycles much better, of course, but I dont think they are a requirement. I will check the wife's axles and see what she has.

I mean if I'm wrong about that it would be great to know -I'm kinda locked in to buying new because I want that transfer case so bad and hardly any JTs have it.

 

[Josh00333]

Do't see it as a "need" to change, meaning it will work with the u-joints but the cv joint is a better set up for awd over all.

Can't see what it would do long term wear wise however.

Selec-trac is one the main drivers in the rig I'm picking up getting this weekend.

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