I have some time to decide. opinions wanted. LTX or HEMI

[RubiAR]

You could try an oil pan and pickup from a vehicle that has the 5.7 and a solid front axle. Idk if that exist tho. I know it does for the 6.4, cus ram 2500

2003-2008 1500s with 4x4 will have it.... good thoughts... thanks for the idea! Def trying to go with JK or later front axle

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[Wheelin98TJ]

This is my passion. It’s the the thing I’d eat packaged ramen, and wear 20 year old thread bare underpants to afford it. If that’s what it took. I cannot and will not do boring cars. No furniture in the house? Ehh. Same worn out boots since 18? Don’t care. Eat out? Not that hungry. Drive a non descript economy vehicle? Only if I absolutely have too and I’ll hate every damn second of it. As long as I have a cool set wheels, I could care less about anything else. Other than my wife that is. Only reason I’m shopping for a house instead of a 50x50 shop with cot and wood stove is cus of her ?

Do you have a shop where you could pull off a motor swap?

If so, you could get it done for much less than the turn key options. If you go this route, one place I'd spend the money is on the wire harness.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Do you have a shop where you could pull off a motor swap?

If so, you could get it done for much less than the turn key options. If you go this route, one place I'd spend the money is on the wire harness.

I may have my own shop at the planned time. AMW4x4 is a lot cheaper if you purchase to install yourself. You just don't get thier 1 year warranty. Still get the 3yr/36000 on the motor and trans if its inspected by Jeep after install i believe. So i may do that. I only need an engine harness if i go MOPAR on the motor and trans, the entire body harness can stay and is plug n' play.

 

[RoryC]

Yeah Virginia definitely has inspections so thats a good point. Thank god Tennessee doesn't care or have inspections

Only part of the state has emissions inspections. Basically only around DC do they do emissions. Down south it is just a safety inspection; tires, blinkers work, etc

 

[PuddleJumper]

Only part of the state has emissions inspections. Basically only around DC do they do emissions. Down south it is just a safety inspection; tires, blinkers work, etc

It'll pass emissions, and if it doesn't I'll reregister to my parents house in Norfolk so i don't have to emission test it.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I may have my own shop at the planned time. AMW4x4 is a lot cheaper if you purchase to install yourself. You just don't get thier 1 year warranty. Still get the 3yr/36000 on the motor and trans if its inspected by Jeep after install i believe. So i may do that. I only need an engine harness if i go MOPAR on the motor and trans, the entire body harness can stay and is plug n' play.

Plug and play with the body harness would make it a lot easier.

Back in the day motor swaps, we were often pulling motors from donors that had a lot more options because Wranglers had none. I spent 2 years on a motor swap. Many hours on the wire harness trying to strip a WJ Grand Cherokee harness down to only what was needed for a TJ. Me being cheap, I didn't want to spend $1,500 on a custom harness. That was a mistake.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Plug and play with the body harness would make it a lot easier.

Back in the day motor swaps, we were often pulling motors from donors that had a lot more options because Wranglers had none. I spent 2 years on a motor swap. Many hours on the wire harness trying to strip a WJ Grand Cherokee harness down to only what was needed for a TJ. Me being cheap, I didn't want to spend $1,500 on a custom harness. That was a mistake.

Yeah, especially in this age. You can just call Haltech and say you got motor A, trans C, and this Body. Custom harness and ECM to your door in couple weeks after. And odds are that harness will outlive your project.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I've been told the 850re is only good for like 380 ft-lbs i believe. this is the first i'm hearing it be good for 700. they put the 8HP75 behind the ecodeisel and 392 wrangler. Which leads me to believe its a key factor of any high power swap. I'm not too concerned about wear or driving dynamics as the 392 rubicon wrangler has the same warranty and parts we do. And with our longer wheel base, i think it could actually be better than the wrangler. or so i hope

I could be wrong here but I thought the only difference between the two transmissions was the place of manufacture with the ratios, internals all the same spec. Maybe there is a physical difference but I've never read nor heard of one. I'll defer to someone smarter than me on this.

Regardless, if you wind up snagging a Copart donor, since Chryslantis only puts the 850RE on V6 cars, you're probably going to have an 8HP75 available by default. May as well use it. I'd rather have a ZF transmission built in Germany than a licensed version of it built in Kokomo anyway.

 

[bleda2002]

I could be wrong here but I thought the only difference between the two transmissions was the place of manufacture with the ratios, internals all the same spec. Maybe there is a physical difference but I've never read nor heard of one. I'll defer to someone smarter than me on this.

Regardless, if you wind up snagging a Copart donor, since Chryslantis only puts the 850RE on V6 cars, you're probably going to have an 8HP75 available by default. May as well use it. I'd rather have a ZF transmission built in Germany than a licensed version of it built in Kokomo anyway.

The 850 and 875 are different beyond just country of origin in terms of actual torque rating. Zf makes an 850 in Germany as well while jeep uses 850re built in US. All jeep 875's are Germany made and hilariously the German made 875s have been less reliable than the Kokomo made 850s due to a bad batch of castings causing tranny leaks.

 

[BourbonRunner]

The 850 and 875 are different beyond just country of origin in terms of actual torque rating. Zf makes an 850 on Germany as well but all jeep 875's are Germany made. Hilariously the German mase 875s have been less reliable than the Kokomo made ones due to a bad batch of castings causing tranny leaks.

Shit happens, right?

But that being said, if the specs are the same so why is the ZF made box able to handle higher TQ than the Kokomo box?

 

[bleda2002]

Shit happens, right?

But that being said, if the specs are the same so why is the ZF made box able to handle higher TQ than the Kokomo box?

It's not, the Kokomo is an 850re the ZF is an 875, the German made 850 is the same torque specs as the 850re. Jeep(stellantis) just doesn't make an 875 in house so they have to source all those from Germany.

 

[PuddleJumper]

@bleda2002 @BourbonRunner , From FCP euro. I'd figure the beemer boys would know since they have the same trans we do

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Upgrades
The 8HP45/50 may only be rated to just under 400 lb-ft of torque, but ZF’s other 8-speeds, like the 8HP70, can hold significantly more. Swapping from an 8HP45 to 8HP70 is possible and has been done before in BMW’s 3-series. It requires a new flywheel, recoded TCU, the 8HP70, and some other supporting bits but gives you an OE-spec transmission capable of holding twice the advertised power of the 8HP45. Any more torque than that, though, and you might want to consider other options.

The easiest way to beef up your 8HP45/50 is with an upgrade package, like those offered by Pure Drivetrain Solutions. They offer four different packages; the weakest rated at 750 lb-ft and the strongest capable of over 1200 lb-ft of torque. Each transmission is fully disassembled and features stronger clutches, stronger seals, and a few modified internal pieces. The strongest gearboxes also receive shafts, hubs, and baskets made from billet aluminum. The N55 or B58 engines mated to the 8HP are capable of some serious power; these transmission upgrades will ensure their reliability and longevity.



ZF 8-Speed Transmission FAQ
Is the ZF 8-Speed Reliable?
We’re asked this question a lot, so we’d be remiss not to address it directly. ZF had plenty of data to use from their previous transmissions, the 5HP and 6HP, when designing the 8HP. Consequently, there is hardly anything to worry about when it comes to reliability and longevity. In stock applications, the ZF 8HP is reliable as it gets. Modified vehicles running stock transmission internals are reportedly very stout. The 8HP45 is no pushover when it comes to increased torque and horsepower demands. ZF seemingly undersold the torque limit in the name of reliability and longevity, allowing owners to take advantage of its strength. However, there is a finite torque limit for the 8HP45, and it gets rather expensive if you push right through it.

What cars use the 8HP45?
The ZF 8HP45 and its updates can be found in several BMWs, a couple of Chryslers, the V6 Ram 1500, a few Dodges, and several Jaguars. Here’s a complete list of vehicles that use the ZF 8HP45/50:

8HP45 / 8HP50

• BMW
  • 2012-2019 F20 1-Series
  • 2014-2016 F22 M235i
  • 2012-2019 F30 3-Series
  • 2010-2017 F10 5-Series
  • 2011-2018 F13 6-Series
  • 2009-2015 F01 7-Series
  • 2011-2017 F25 X3
  • 2014-2018 F26 X4
  • 2011-2013 E70 X5 35i
  • 2013-2018 F15 X5
  • 2015-2019 F16 X6
  • 2011-2014 Z4 Roadster
• Jaguar
  • 2015-Present XE
  • 2014-Present F-Type
  • 2014-2019 Jaguar XJ
• Land Rover
  • 2014-Present Land Rover Range Rover Sport

8HP45RE / 8HP50RE
The 8HP45RE was designed especially for Chrysler’s V6 powered models. Changes over the standard ZF 8-speed include extra friction plates in the clutch packs and a deeper fluid pan.

• Chrysler-Dodge-Ram
  • 2015-Present Chrysler 300 V6
  • 2012-Present Dodge Charger V6
  • 2012-Present Dodge Challenger V6
  • 2014-2017 Dodge Durango V6
  • 2013-Present Ram 1500 V6

Is the ZF 8HP45 a dual-clutch?
The ZF 8HP45 is not a dual-clutch transmission, but rather a traditional torque-converter automatic. However, the lightweight internal components reduced internal drag, and the advanced valve body allows the 8HP to shift nearly as fast as a DCT but without the complex and expensive design. The 8HP is cheaper to produce, cheaper to maintain, easier to modify for greater power, and is just as fuel-efficient.

 

[bleda2002]

@bleda2002 @BourbonRunner , From FCP euro. I'd figure the beemer boys would know since they have the same trans we do

ZF 8-Speed Transmission Upgrades
The 8HP45/50 may only be rated to just under 400 lb-ft of torque, but ZF’s other 8-speeds, like the 8HP70, can hold significantly more. Swapping from an 8HP45 to 8HP70 is possible and has been done before in BMW’s 3-series. It requires a new flywheel, recoded TCU, the 8HP70, and some other supporting bits but gives you an OE-spec transmission capable of holding twice the advertised power of the 8HP45. Any more torque than that, though, and you might want to consider other options.

The easiest way to beef up your 8HP45/50 is with an upgrade package, like those offered by Pure Drivetrain Solutions. They offer four different packages; the weakest rated at 750 lb-ft and the strongest capable of over 1200 lb-ft of torque. Each transmission is fully disassembled and features stronger clutches, stronger seals, and a few modified internal pieces. The strongest gearboxes also receive shafts, hubs, and baskets made from billet aluminum. The N55 or B58 engines mated to the 8HP are capable of some serious power; these transmission upgrades will ensure their reliability and longevity.



ZF 8-Speed Transmission FAQ
Is the ZF 8-Speed Reliable?
We’re asked this question a lot, so we’d be remiss not to address it directly. ZF had plenty of data to use from their previous transmissions, the 5HP and 6HP, when designing the 8HP. Consequently, there is hardly anything to worry about when it comes to reliability and longevity. In stock applications, the ZF 8HP is reliable as it gets. Modified vehicles running stock transmission internals are reportedly very stout. The 8HP45 is no pushover when it comes to increased torque and horsepower demands. ZF seemingly undersold the torque limit in the name of reliability and longevity, allowing owners to take advantage of its strength. However, there is a finite torque limit for the 8HP45, and it gets rather expensive if you push right through it.

What cars use the 8HP45?
The ZF 8HP45 and its updates can be found in several BMWs, a couple of Chryslers, the V6 Ram 1500, a few Dodges, and several Jaguars. Here’s a complete list of vehicles that use the ZF 8HP45/50:

8HP45 / 8HP50

• BMW
  • 2012-2019 F20 1-Series
  • 2014-2016 F22 M235i
  • 2012-2019 F30 3-Series
  • 2010-2017 F10 5-Series
  • 2011-2018 F13 6-Series
  • 2009-2015 F01 7-Series
  • 2011-2017 F25 X3
  • 2014-2018 F26 X4
  • 2011-2013 E70 X5 35i
  • 2013-2018 F15 X5
  • 2015-2019 F16 X6
  • 2011-2014 Z4 Roadster
• Jaguar
  • 2015-Present XE
  • 2014-Present F-Type
  • 2014-2019 Jaguar XJ
• Land Rover
  • 2014-Present Land Rover Range Rover Sport

8HP45RE / 8HP50RE
The 8HP45RE was designed especially for Chrysler’s V6 powered models. Changes over the standard ZF 8-speed include extra friction plates in the clutch packs and a deeper fluid pan.

• Chrysler-Dodge-Ram
  • 2015-Present Chrysler 300 V6
  • 2012-Present Dodge Charger V6
  • 2012-Present Dodge Challenger V6
  • 2014-2017 Dodge Durango V6
  • 2013-Present Ram 1500 V6

Is the ZF 8HP45 a dual-clutch?
The ZF 8HP45 is not a dual-clutch transmission, but rather a traditional torque-converter automatic. However, the lightweight internal components reduced internal drag, and the advanced valve body allows the 8HP to shift nearly as fast as a DCT but without the complex and expensive design. The 8HP is cheaper to produce, cheaper to maintain, easier to modify for greater power, and is just as fuel-efficient.

Oh I know you can switch them fairly easily, I seriously considered a bruiser conversion as they are local to me and they were going to do the 875 swap at the time. I just never pulled the trigger as 40k is a lot of scratch

 

[Bocmopar74]

Oh I know you can switch them fairly easily, I seriously considered a bruiser conversion as they are local to me and they were going to do the 875 swap at the time. I just never pulled the trigger as 40k is a lot of scratch

I had the 392-conversion (505 package) done at AMW 4X4 on my 2023 Rubicon last year. Not for the faint of wallet ($34K before tax) but one of the best things I've ever done mechanically speaking. AMW is 5 hours away, so I drove up to Holly Michigan to check them out. I was impressed. Never saw so many Jeeps under construction for more power ever. I wanted a complete turnkey package without a lot of follow up tuning and sorting things out.

The 3.6 is a great engine. Had one in my 2012 Chrysler 300. I needed more power in my Gladiator.

My AMW package included the 392 Mopar crate engine, ZF 8HP75 transmission, aluminum radiator, high output electric cooling fan, high flow power steering pump and reservoir, Cold air intake, Tazer and 3.5" exhaust.
We used my stock Rubicon transfer case. Stock driveshafts, gears and axles. Added a 1.5" Teraflex front lift before conversion. Running stock 33" Falkens. The conversion took about a week.

A few things to consider: Insurance, emissions inspections, financing options, possible trade in value on 3.6/trans, premium fuel only.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It's a blast to drive. Good luck!

 

[PuddleJumper]

I had the 392-conversion (505 package) done at AMW 4X4 on my 2023 Rubicon last year. Not for the faint of wallet ($34K before tax) but one of the best things I've ever done mechanically speaking. AMW is 5 hours away, so I drove up to Holly Michigan to check them out. I was impressed. Never saw so many Jeeps under construction for more power ever. I wanted a complete turnkey package without a lot of follow up tuning and sorting things out.

The 3.6 is a great engine. Had one in my 2012 Chrysler 300. I needed more power in my Gladiator.

My AMW package included the 392 Mopar crate engine, ZF 8HP75 transmission, aluminum radiator, high output electric cooling fan, high flow power steering pump and reservoir, Cold air intake, Tazer and 3.5" exhaust.
We used my stock Rubicon transfer case. Stock driveshafts, gears and axles. Added a 1.5" Teraflex front lift before conversion. Running stock 33" Falkens. The conversion took about a week.

A few things to consider: Insurance, emissions inspections, financing options, possible trade in value on 3.6/trans, premium fuel only.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. It's a blast to drive. Good luck!

how does your insurance work with covering the vehicle?

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