JK Pentastar Swap
JK Junkie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 2
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
Have you found a getrag tranny? I looked for 6 months and couldnt find one.
I am not trying to evangelize others to do a pentastar swap, just trying to say it can be done, and it wasnt hard or expensive. Now that someone (me) has done it, others can learn from my experience and make their own adventure.
Im not sure that it would be easier or cheaper to do a hemi. If you subtract tools and parts sold from my list, I spent $3k on the swap including shipping and tax (see below for only parts). I spent 6 months stalking ebay, craigslist, and the rest of the interweb, and I could never find a good deal on a hemi or getrag, let alone the other stuff I knew I needed. So it wouldnt have been cheaper for me.
I am not trying to evangelize others to do a pentastar swap, just trying to say it can be done, and it wasnt hard or expensive. Now that someone (me) has done it, others can learn from my experience and make their own adventure.
Im not sure that it would be easier or cheaper to do a hemi. If you subtract tools and parts sold from my list, I spent $3k on the swap including shipping and tax (see below for only parts). I spent 6 months stalking ebay, craigslist, and the rest of the interweb, and I could never find a good deal on a hemi or getrag, let alone the other stuff I knew I needed. So it wouldnt have been cheaper for me.
I have a 3.6 and it doesn't cut it. Maybe better on the highway where RPMs are higher, but offroad, it brings the suck. I'd rather have the 3.8 offroad. At least that beast can turn the tires while crawling.
I think it is cool what you did - don't get me wrong. All I am saying is that with the right knowledge (like knowing where to find engines, etc), you can do a hemi swap for the same investment and there is a lot less to deal with. Reading your thread made my head spin and I get this stuff.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 8
From: Fairfax, VA
You can find those parts all day long on car-part.com. 10 miles from me right now there is a 2013 5.7 VVT with 10k miles for $1800 (and they deal on stuff, so probably more like $1500). There are a ton of transmissions around as well. You will have a much easier time finding one if you search under the Dodge Dakota. Anyway, about $1000 for the trans for something low mile. I should have no trouble selling my 3.6 and manual trans with 20k miles for what I pay for the new engine and trans. So, all in, I will have less than $3k net into a Hemi swap.
I have a 3.6 and it doesn't cut it. Maybe better on the highway where RPMs are higher, but offroad, it brings the suck. I'd rather have the 3.8 offroad. At least that beast can turn the tires while crawling.
I think it is cool what you did - don't get me wrong. All I am saying is that with the right knowledge (like knowing where to find engines, etc), you can do a hemi swap for the same investment and there is a lot less to deal with. Reading your thread made my head spin and I get this stuff.
I have a 3.6 and it doesn't cut it. Maybe better on the highway where RPMs are higher, but offroad, it brings the suck. I'd rather have the 3.8 offroad. At least that beast can turn the tires while crawling.
I think it is cool what you did - don't get me wrong. All I am saying is that with the right knowledge (like knowing where to find engines, etc), you can do a hemi swap for the same investment and there is a lot less to deal with. Reading your thread made my head spin and I get this stuff.
Good suggestions on where to look for the engine. Do you only search for truck hemis? I am not as versed in what hemis will mate with the getrag.
As for the power of the 3.6, I agree, my observation is I only feel the power at high RPM. The 3.8 feels more like a more powerful engine in the low RPM range (to me). I had wanted to put a supercharger in the 3.6 to spice it up, but if you are telling me a getrag and hemi can be had for less than $3k.......
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
The getrag was the long pole in the tent for me. I just couldnt find one. I am almost tempted to lay down the challenge.. someone find me a good low mileage getrag for about $1000 and I will redo the project with a hemi and see if its cheaper
Good suggestions on where to look for the engine. Do you only search for truck hemis? I am not as versed in what hemis will mate with the getrag.
As for the power of the 3.6, I agree, my observation is I only feel the power at high RPM. The 3.8 feels more like a more powerful engine in the low RPM range (to me). I had wanted to put a supercharger in the 3.6 to spice it up, but if you are telling me a getrag and hemi can be had for less than $3k.......
Good suggestions on where to look for the engine. Do you only search for truck hemis? I am not as versed in what hemis will mate with the getrag.
As for the power of the 3.6, I agree, my observation is I only feel the power at high RPM. The 3.8 feels more like a more powerful engine in the low RPM range (to me). I had wanted to put a supercharger in the 3.6 to spice it up, but if you are telling me a getrag and hemi can be had for less than $3k.......
JK Junkie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 2
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
None have been offered yet in a gear ratio that would work. The Getrag is a good trans. If you need more beef, the manual out of the diesel can be used, but it's a beast. It's the G56. That will handle anything you throw at it.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 53
Likes: 8
From: Fairfax, VA
"WE BUILD THIS 4X4 UNIT RATED AT 850FTLBS OF TORQUE
BOTH ARE BUILT WITH A 4X4 ADAPTER THAT IS NOT DRILLED FOR USE WITH ANY T/C 5 OR 6 BOLT WITH LEFT OR RIGHT DROP T/C
THE 850FTLBS UNIT IS BASED OFF OF A TR6060 GEAR TRAIN, BUILT
RACE READY BLUE PRINTED THIS TRANS HAS MAJOR UPGRADES FROM THE T56 (NO SYNCHRO KEYS) WIDER GEAR TRAIN, LARGER INPUT AND CLUSTER BEARINGS, STRONGER WEBBED FRONT PLATE, LARGER SYNCHRO'S WITH CARBON RINGS 1-4 AND A 31 SPLINE MAINSHAFT
OPTIONS
LUBE OPTION 750.00 (THIS ALLOWS U TO ADD A COOLER)
RATIO'S
2.66 1.78 1.30 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63 *
2.97 2.07 1.43 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63
COST 4395.00
* BUILT WITH 9310 MATERIAL RATED AT 1000FTLBS
COST 5295.00
CLOSE RATIO
2.29 1.60 1.21 1.00 .84 .67
COST 4895.00
SHIFTER LOCATION 19" FROM THE ENGINE. OVER ALL LENGHT LS1 SET UP BELL TO ADAPTER IS 28" OVER ALL "
JK Junkie
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,697
Likes: 2
From: Grosse Pointe, MI
RS Gear offers the Tremec 6 in 4x4. Heres the quote I got from them:
"WE BUILD THIS 4X4 UNIT RATED AT 850FTLBS OF TORQUE
BOTH ARE BUILT WITH A 4X4 ADAPTER THAT IS NOT DRILLED FOR USE WITH ANY T/C 5 OR 6 BOLT WITH LEFT OR RIGHT DROP T/C
THE 850FTLBS UNIT IS BASED OFF OF A TR6060 GEAR TRAIN, BUILT
RACE READY BLUE PRINTED THIS TRANS HAS MAJOR UPGRADES FROM THE T56 (NO SYNCHRO KEYS) WIDER GEAR TRAIN, LARGER INPUT AND CLUSTER BEARINGS, STRONGER WEBBED FRONT PLATE, LARGER SYNCHRO'S WITH CARBON RINGS 1-4 AND A 31 SPLINE MAINSHAFT
OPTIONS
LUBE OPTION 750.00 (THIS ALLOWS U TO ADD A COOLER)
RATIO'S
2.66 1.78 1.30 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63 *
2.97 2.07 1.43 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63
COST 4395.00
* BUILT WITH 9310 MATERIAL RATED AT 1000FTLBS
COST 5295.00
CLOSE RATIO
2.29 1.60 1.21 1.00 .84 .67
COST 4895.00
SHIFTER LOCATION 19" FROM THE ENGINE. OVER ALL LENGHT LS1 SET UP BELL TO ADAPTER IS 28" OVER ALL "
"WE BUILD THIS 4X4 UNIT RATED AT 850FTLBS OF TORQUE
BOTH ARE BUILT WITH A 4X4 ADAPTER THAT IS NOT DRILLED FOR USE WITH ANY T/C 5 OR 6 BOLT WITH LEFT OR RIGHT DROP T/C
THE 850FTLBS UNIT IS BASED OFF OF A TR6060 GEAR TRAIN, BUILT
RACE READY BLUE PRINTED THIS TRANS HAS MAJOR UPGRADES FROM THE T56 (NO SYNCHRO KEYS) WIDER GEAR TRAIN, LARGER INPUT AND CLUSTER BEARINGS, STRONGER WEBBED FRONT PLATE, LARGER SYNCHRO'S WITH CARBON RINGS 1-4 AND A 31 SPLINE MAINSHAFT
OPTIONS
LUBE OPTION 750.00 (THIS ALLOWS U TO ADD A COOLER)
RATIO'S
2.66 1.78 1.30 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63 *
2.97 2.07 1.43 1.00 .74 .50 OR .80 .63
COST 4395.00
* BUILT WITH 9310 MATERIAL RATED AT 1000FTLBS
COST 5295.00
CLOSE RATIO
2.29 1.60 1.21 1.00 .84 .67
COST 4895.00
SHIFTER LOCATION 19" FROM THE ENGINE. OVER ALL LENGHT LS1 SET UP BELL TO ADAPTER IS 28" OVER ALL "
That is seriously pricey stuff and the ratios are not very ideal.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 287
Likes: 3
From: Littleton, Colorado
Yeah the ratios are not suited to an off road rig. I liked the truck boxes and had them in my older rigs. I never even thought about them breaking. When I had to back down a bad hill I could put trans in reverse and give it some gas and steer down the hill. Dodge is the only company that even offers a stick anymore unfortunately. They are more fun to drive if you don't have to do traffic jams!!
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 2
From: B.F.E, MI
My Rubi suspension and power steering are still working fine after near 60k of abuse. Little sag but probably as much to do with steel bumpers and winch as engine and tranny. Still using the original stock driveshafts. Cannot believe the rear shaft (and the pinion angle did increase with the conversion) is still intact. But YMMV as I am still stock on tires and suspension.
Sure you can install without a kit. However, if I were to again put in a Hemi or LS I would still buy a kit again and be done with the hassle. If my budget was that tight personally I would just not do it at all. The pre-configured lines, harness, computer, etc are just too sweet and greatly decrease the likelihood of codes and problems.
Guess it depends on how much time and stress one wants to spend sorting problems out instead of driving. For some people the Jeep is their DD and work/family does not allow the time.
All that said, I have great respect for the OP's efforts (and steel nerves) to do that 3.6 swap.
Sure you can install without a kit. However, if I were to again put in a Hemi or LS I would still buy a kit again and be done with the hassle. If my budget was that tight personally I would just not do it at all. The pre-configured lines, harness, computer, etc are just too sweet and greatly decrease the likelihood of codes and problems.
Guess it depends on how much time and stress one wants to spend sorting problems out instead of driving. For some people the Jeep is their DD and work/family does not allow the time.
All that said, I have great respect for the OP's efforts (and steel nerves) to do that 3.6 swap.
Last edited by Yankee; Nov 12, 2015 at 08:35 AM.