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AW4 controller...

1BADCJ8

1BADCJ8

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Silver City
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OK so I used to run an AW4 in my Scrambler, I wanted a 4 speed transmission. I used the AW4 as it bolts right up, yes I needed an adapter for the Dana 300 (which I still have). The problem was that I (we) couldnt get the Stock control box to work, so it always skipped 2nd gear, up and down. But I loved that extra gear. But as my off road-ness grew not having a 2nd gear was just not conducive to harder and harder trails.

Fast forward to now I want that extra gear again. SO have any of you used an AW4 behind your AMC 360 and gotten an after market controller to work with it? I run a Holley Sniper 2 FI unit, they have a controller but only for Chevy and Ford Auto's, SO yes I am well aware of the fact I could use those here. IF in-fact I wanted to use 1000$ or so worth of adapters, which I do not!

Has anyone used and subsequently found a controller to work with an AW4?Frank-1.jpg
 
1BADCJ8 said:
OK so I used to run an AW4 in my Scrambler, I wanted a 4 speed transmission. I used the AW4 as it bolts right up, yes I needed an adapter for the Dana 300 (which I still have). The problem was that I (we) couldnt get the Stock control box to work, so it always skipped 2nd gear, up and down. But I loved that extra gear. But as my off road-ness grew not having a 2nd gear was just not conducive to harder and harder trails.

Fast forward to now I want that extra gear again. SO have any of you used an AW4 behind your AMC 360 and gotten an after market controller to work with it? I run a Holley Sniper 2 FI unit, they have a controller but only for Chevy and Ford Auto's, SO yes I am well aware of the fact I could use those here. IF in-fact I wanted to use 1000$ or so worth of adapters, which I do not!

Has anyone used and subsequently found a controller to work with an AW4?View attachment 115888
Click to expand...
Would something like this work for you?

www.radesignsproducts.com

RAIL CONTROLLERS

What is the RAD Designs Rail Controller? The RAD Designs Rail Controller is a precision-built electronic shift controller designed for automatic transmissions, providing complete manual control over gear selection. It works seamlessly with electronically controlled transmissions, enabling...
www.radesignsproducts.com

I think BW has/had one on his Postal.
 
That looks like a solid "maybe"! I really dont want to have to shift constantly but if it will work with a stock TCM that could do it.

Thank you!
 
1BADCJ8 said:
That looks like a solid "maybe"! I really dont want to have to shift constantly but if it will work with a stock TCM that could do it.

Thank you!
Click to expand...
I have one that I have not installed yet but plan to use it with the stock TCM. I believe Eric (BW) has it with a stock TCM as well.
 
If Big Dub has it its got to work ;-) Yeah that sounds like the way to go as I don't want to have to keep shifting, that would get old real fast on some big rocks...
 
It does have this in the description:

You do not need a TCM to use the Rail Controller, but you can wire it in with switches to retain your automatics shifting features if you still have the TCM system in your vehicle.

Not sure if that means you can function as you currently do (skipping second gear) with your TCM, but have manual control when you want to. :shrug:
I'm sure @bigwalton will have some input, may also be worth contacting Rory with your situation.
 
I can take pics of the parts and instructions and paperwork if you want since I still have it in the box.
 
I have had one for years with the stock TCM from the 4.0 running full auto when the switch is flipped for it. I have thought that it’s the ultimate weekend wheeler transmission setup forever.

The question I have is what are you using now that you can’t get it to shift right?

All that being said, there is a way to swap the valve body/solenoid out of your Chrysler AW4 for Toyota parts and use aftermarket controllers. I just went through that idea with Eli Lalich who I am working with on my stroker swap with a Holley Terminator setup. We sorted out how but ended up deciding to run with the external Chrysler TCM I have already.

I can go pull that info in here for you in a bit.
 
I would be interested in that info. I have an AW4 in the barn that I was considering using in the Overlander. I have an AW4 Jeep controller for it, but have just put it off as rebuilding the original transmission was easier.
 
ag4ever said:
I would be interested in that info. I have an AW4 in the barn that I was considering using in the Overlander. I have an AW4 Jeep controller for it, but have just put it off as rebuilding the original transmission was easier.
Click to expand...
If you have the stand alone Jeep controller, just use that. WAY easier than dealing with swapping things in the trans. Their instructions are simple, just get their shifter and go nuts.
 
As I mentioned In my post I got rid of it Years ago... Never could get it to shift into second. So it's not a current thing! But, I want to go back to one to have the 4th gear, and looking to find the solution Before I even try it again. Make sense? It seems Walt you have yours going well. My Question is do you, a long with the stock TCU have to have the 4.0 PCM? OR is it just the Switch and the TCU?
 
As I recall, it is just the trans module which is slightly larger than a deck of cards. I think they were mounted under the dash on the passenger side of XJs. I pulled my controller out of a wrecking yard years ago.
 
Yep, I had that as well, it's got two "ears" at the top to mount it, but we couldn't get it to work... But we didn't have any switches to help it...
 
All of this talk about it is making me really want to quit stalling and install it. I also have the switches for the controller (sold separately). One for on/off and one to lock up the torque converter (if my memory serves me right)
 
Yeah Walt the info on yours would be great and of course you know how much we all love pictures if you don't mind. And Dain your pics would be appreciated as well.
 
So I ask again, since this doesn't show a diagram for the PCU from a 4.0 I'm assuming there is no need for one? And - With this set up you can just leave it to be in drive and not constantly needing to shift?
 
1BADCJ8 said:
So I ask again, since this doesn't show a diagram for the PCU from a 4.0 I'm assuming there is no need for one? And - With this set up you can just leave it to be in drive and not constantly needing to shift?
Click to expand...
Yes. As long as you have the switch to off, then the trans works as normal in drive. If I want to control the gearing and keep it in first or second, I flip the switch to on and then use the little metal shifter.

Since the ECU and TCU are separate units, I assume it only needs the TCU from the 4.0. It only ties into the TCU wires.
 
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