Easiest O/D for AMC drivetrain?

Griffon

Griffon

Member
Does anyone know if there is another 727 model trans w/ o/d that I could find at the j/y that will bolt up to the amc 258? I like the torquey little six and it gets the right mpg's but overdrive would sure be nice. It's for a 73' 2wd sii. Not real savvy on the jeeps so maybe something out of one of those? Thanks
 
The 727 is a 3 speed only and was never configured with overdrive gearing. Overdrive autos were not commonplace until the late 80's, well after Scout production ceased. I'm unfamiliar with what auto units were available behind Jeep 4.0 engines in cherokees etc. At any rate, whatever model they are, I know for sure they aren't 727's. One of those might be your best shot, but of course the next question is, how do you mate it to your Dana 20 x-fer case? Or, could a cherokee auto trans and t-case be swapped into a Scout as a unit? I don't know. Might be easier to graft a Scout body onto a cherokee rolling frame...ewww! Might as well just drive a cherokee if ya gotta go that far...double ewww! My gut tells me this is a big 'ol can o' worms that you probably don't want to open.
 
Only thing I can think of is from a j@#p - aw4 I think I the model number of the trans. Even though that trans resides behinde the j@#p 4.0 motor, it will bolt up to the 258. Jeeps used the same exact 258 motor as IH did back in the day. And when they went to the 4.0 motor the same exact trans bell housing bolt pattern stayed the same, and will cross breed between both motors. But rumor has it that that trans is some what a week link

I know this, cause my 74 Scout had the 258 and then swaped it out and installed a used 4.0 straight six from a 90 cherokee. It was a direct bolt I. For the most part. I was able to keep my 727 trans in place
 
Thanks guys. I have always liked the 727, had it in my ramchargers, Scout, and basically still in my 900 ft/lb cummins. I guess I'll just stay out of the passing lane:(
 
Here's some down and dirty facts from the pros at novak re: the aw4, which is the unit I was thinking of, but couldn't recall the name. The short skinny is, they don't have the best reputation, and you'd have to swap the mated 4.0 in along with as a package since the trans is electronically controlled. Enjoy...

the Jeep aw4 transmissions - novak conversions
 
That's a very cool website, but, once again the scouts are ignored. It seems I was always in the same situation with my ramchargers, I guess it's better to have something different, and in my opinion, better than the monkey see-monkey do sheep out there:smilewinkgrin:
 
They do know where their bread is buttered, that's for sure. I've got a bad habit of hasty reading sometimes. I initially glossed over your mention of this being a 2wd Scout. I don't know if that makes this swap notion any more or less practical. I now know that there are both 2wd and 4wd versions of the aw4 that came in xj's. So, on the one hand you wouldn't be dealing with a 4x4 t-case which simplifies matters. On the other, you'd still have to deal with an electronically controlled trans, some fab work for the mounting x-member, prop shaft mod/fab, plus shifter and associated linkage logistics. Then there's what I would assume to be a significant difference in curb weight between your Scout and a donor xj. Overall, I think your decision to not fix what isn't broken is definitely the way to go.
 
You could get an adapter to run a trans such as a 700r4 behind your 258 like this: (p/n 716138) | advance adapters. 700r4's are common and cheap if you're going the used route. Obviously this would require some fab work and a new rear driveline but it would give you a .7 overdrive and a lockup torque converter...
 
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