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WK2 Transfer Case SWAP

19K views 33 replies 14 participants last post by  tcatjeep2 
#1 · (Edited)
I have a 2011 GC with the pentastar V6. I love everything about it, but the 4x4 option i got. it only has the Quadratrac 1. Has anyone heard or thought about swapping the transfer case out of a new wrangler into a grand. What would be the challenges besides possibly having new custom drive shafts made.
 
#4 ·
plus i dont know about way cheaper. i got my laredo for 15,000.00 and any with quadra trac ii started at about 28,000.00. I have found the transfer case for a wrangler out of a wrecked one for 200.00 and the wrangler had the pentastar v6. i can get custom made drive shafts locally for about 400.00 a piece. trying to find if anyone has attempted it. or if it would work. if the output shaft on the tranny is the same. plus it would make my gc rear wheel drive instead of all wheel drive which i like.
 
#5 · (Edited)
In the 2-3 years I've been following WK2 forums I have never heard of anyone attempting this. If it were easy I would think someone would have done the downgrade by now.

You don't need air suspension to get QTII, although I don't think you can get QTII in the cost leader base Laredo.

Here are a few things to be thinking about:

You may also need to do something about the computer... unless you don't mind a continuous check engine light.

Will the chassis mounting holes line up or are you also going to have to fabricate a bracket?

Does that wrangler transfer case have an electric motor shifter? Dunno what it takes to make that work other than a switch.

Does that wrangler use the same W5A580 transmission? Its more about the transmission than engine. I hear the 2012 and newer Wrangler V6s have the W5A580 or a manual shift. Earlier models have something else.

Resale value will probably be scrap value, if you care.
 
#29 ·
In the 2-3 years I've been following WK2 forums I have never heard of anyone attempting this. If it were easy I would think someone would have done the downgrade by now.

You don't need air suspension to get QTII, although I don't think you can get QTII in the cost leader base Laredo.

Here are a few things to be thinking about:

You may also need to do something about the computer... unless you don't mind a continuous check engine light.

Will the chassis mounting holes line up or are you also going to have to fabricate a bracket?

Does that wrangler transfer case have an electric motor shifter? Dunno what it takes to make that work other than a switch.

Does that wrangler use the same W5A580 transmission? Its more about the transmission than engine. I hear the 2012 and newer Wrangler V6s have the W5A580 or a manual shift. Earlier models have something else.

Resale value will probably be scrap value, if you care.
Why would you say the resale would be scrap value? I am gonna do it using almost all factory jeep/mopar parts. If anything it will increase value. Just don't cobble it together.
 
#6 ·
has anyone swapped in a Quadratrac ii transfer case into a quadratrac i jeep. looking at my jeep the wiring is there for the knob inside the jeep and from the wiring diagrams online the wiring is there for the transfer case itself as well. my biggest thing is i want 4 low for weekend off roading.
 
#8 ·
No, there is a thread somewhere a few months back with discussion. Thats a big job with the CAN bus, controller modules, and all.

Much less hassle and expense to trade vehicle for one with QTII. The wrangler thing may be easier as both those cases are relatively simple.
 
#7 · (Edited)
The recent Wrangler and WK2 W5A580 transmission to transfer case adapters seem to have different part numbers. I dunno what makes them different.

WK2: 52108715AA or 52120015AA
Wrangler: 5210844AA

The intermediate shaft also seems to be different:
WK2 68078839AA or 6808564AA
Wrangler: 05179989AA
 
#11 · (Edited)
So that being said i can get a quadratrac ii transfer case for 400.00. out of a salvaged GC. and my existing jeep has the wiring for the knob and transfer case already on the wiring harness. what else would i need to make it work besides the internal knob. i was under the impression that the main computer controlled the tranny as well, would i need the ecm from the salvaged jeep or could i get my current ecm reflashed. Or is there another control module that im missing.
 
#12 ·
There may be some confusion between Quadra Lift (air suspension) and Quadra Trac II.

There are two transfer cases, Quadra Trac I and Quadra Trac II. Quadra Lift has nothing to do with the 4WD system and there is no I or II associated with it..
 
#13 · (Edited)
There is a transfer case control module under the driver's seat that you may need. There is also a AWD driveline control module somewhere, but that may only be needed for the QDII ELSD.

Dunno if there is a difference in the software on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Dunno if the ABS controller is different.
 
#16 ·
There is a transfer case control module under the driver's seat that you may need. There is also a AWD driveline control module somewhere, but that may only be needed for the QDII ELSD.

Dunno if there is a difference in the software on the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Dunno if the ABS controller is different.
I could be wrong but I think the TCM/PCM would need to be programmed for having the different datasets to be able to use the select-terain settings (and to know how to enable 4-low). However this stuff might already be in the programming and if it doesn't sense a select terain module it may run the a default paramter set for QT1. I'm not a chrysler engineer but sometimes its easier to program everything so that is it plug and play from the factory. The less input needed by the line worker the more reliable the vehicle will be that it starts when it reaches the end of the line.

THEORY Example:
PCM default mode is QT1, this set will run if select terrain, is not awake on the system.
PCM subset 1: a set of parameters and shift settings are enabled becuase it detects select terrain and does not detect Air suspension module.
PCM subset 2: a set of parameters and shift settings are enable because it detects select terrain and Air suspension moduel.

NOW THIS IS ONLY A THEORY.

Realize that what you are trying to accomplish may slightly affect your warranty.:lol:
 
#14 · (Edited)
Below is a link to a 2010 WK discussion, I would think a WK2 swap would be at least as difficult except I think the axle ratios are the same on the WK2.. I'm speculating here, you may just want to wait until someone drops into this thread that has done it. A google search found nuthin else as far as I can tell.

http://###/forum/f67/3-7l-v6-qt2-nv245-transfer-case-modules-1124517/

### = www dot j e e p f o r u m dot com
 
#15 ·
I have QTI and considered this myself, but put a swap out of your mind unless you've attempted this with other vehicles before and swaped in engines, t-cases, etc.

Better to just suck it up and keep it (which is what I did), or trade it in for what you should have gotten in the first place (which is what I will do). :)

With that said, QT1 is a fine system, and better than previous QT1's from what I can find, much smarter and more capable system than early QT1's. I've never "actually" used mine and failed, but there are times I've said, "I wish I had 4-lo so I'd be more confident in doing xyz," as I would probably attempt more if I had 4-lo.
 
#17 ·
Its good warranty is up in like 4 or 5 months. And yes i have done motor swaps transfer case swaps etc. And am fully capable of doing the grunt work. Including some fab if i need to. and from everything i see the qt II will bolt directly in, im just worried about all the electrical module that i might need.
 
#23 ·
I want to do the same thing as you, a swap from QT1 to QT2. I own a 11' JGC Laredo with QT1, I already have the T case, knob, and module from a 12' JGC, according to the wiring diagrams that is all you need, the only missing information I need to start the swap is the CAN BUS programming, I have not found if the TIPM would recognice the data, if I need to reprogram or another TIPM model.

If I figure something else, I would post it.
 
#24 ·
I want to do the same thing as you, a swap from QT1 to QT2. I own a 11' JGC Laredo with QT1, I already have the T case, knob, and module from a 12' JGC, according to the wiring diagrams that is all you need, the only missing information I need to start the swap is the CAN BUS programming, I have not found if the TIPM would recognice the data, if I need to reprogram or another TIPM model.

If I figure something else, I would post it.
I'd be shocked if you don't need several drive shafts as well.... ...the electronics often have to be configured, i.e. they may have the same TIPM, but electronic boxes in the TIPM software need to be checked off with the electronic tools to make it work with QTII modules.....

Also, modules are given part numbers by software loaded into them, all the PCM's for the WK2 are physically identical, but they have different part numbers because they have different software loaded in them to control the different versions of the WK2....

The biggest risk I see, is that you'll need to configure the electronics.... ....so you go to the dealer and have them configure the electronics with their tools, and they'll come back and tell you it can't be done.....

They have idiot proofed the Dealer tools so much, to prevent tech mistakes, it often turns out that anything that is not the standard pre-planned servicing, is not allowed and can't be done....

Part numbers are big in this, even if the PCM is physically identical, just needs the software for the other version of PCM loaded in it, the Dealer tools are idiot proofed and won't allow the tech to load software for the wrong part number module....

A Brit imported his British Export Jeep Commander with him when he moved to Canada. The PCM failed and he got a new one, needed the VIN# written to the PCM to enable the immobilizer, otherwise the vehicle would not start. The Canadian Dealership couldn't do it, there tool said this is a British Jeep, they're not allowed to work on it with the Canadian tools.... .....The Dealer and Owner contacted Chrysler Corporate several times with different solutions to how this could be fixed, just let the Dealer use a copy of British Software for a day, etc.... Chrysler refused, the only answer they would give the Dealer and Customer, they would have to ship the Jeep back to Britain to be Serviced....

So you may be stuck with scrounging up more parts, like the TIPM from that vehicle that is already configured for the TIPM, or getting the very expensive third party, reverse engineered electronic tools that aren't idiot proofed like the Dealer tools.....
 
#25 ·
Well I know this is an old discussion, but here we go...I have a few WK2 Laredo Grand Cherokees. I am going to do this swap... enough said. I will happen. This is what I am going to use. 2008 Dodge Nitro NAG1 4x4 Transmission. Has the correct tail shaft coupler and 6 bolt flange to bolt up a 2013 NV241 (Manual Shift cable operated) Wrangler transfer case. The Brand new NAG1 out of the Nitro is getting the Bellhousing off a donor 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee NAG1 to bolt to the Pentastar V6. this will mate the complete system together. the lower T-case mount to crossmember will need to be figured out, but is a small issue. Not sure which cable operated shifter I am going to use yet...TJ Advance adaptors, OEM JK with the cable upgrade or a stock JL with the cable upgrade. The too small cup holder are gonna go on the console and T-case shifter will take it's spot. I will fabricate brackets to mount shifter, figure out bellows or boot and final trim on console. what I want to achieve is this. A true 2 wheel drive mode, a real Offroad or slippery condition 4 High Range and a 4 low rock crawler, boat landing gear and lastly the ability to flat tow behind a motorhome. I will keep you posted. I already have 95% of what I need. Being a Journeyman Tool and Diemaker with access to machine tools and a shop with a lift should make it very interesting. +
 
#26 ·
I await your guide. Be warned You will get 4wd Lights if you don't keep the Transfer case motor plugged in. which may also Mess with your ABS and other various systems as-well.

Not to mention new Front and Rear Custom Drive shafts that Rear drive shaft will be Pricey. Also note the Nitro may have a Nag1 But will likely have Different internals and everything compared to the Wk2 Nag1 the TCM etc will also likely give you hell.
 
#28 ·
I picked up a NAG1 out of a wrangler and a transfercase to do this exact swap. I am looking at using a jeep liberty or nitro shifter and eliminating the cup holder and putting the t case shifter there. I want the ability to flat tow and off road my 12. Looking at getting 3.70 SRT differentials front and back and engineer a manual engage/disengage for the lockers. I will be working on this swap shortly. Biggest issue is getting the shifter mounted, that and making it look like factory install.
 
#32 ·
When you don't want to trade in and loss your butt at dealership, and build something the factory didn't this is what you do. Lucky for me I am a tool and diemaker by trade and have equipment available to make whatever I need. My goal is to have almost the ability of my lifted wrangler with the everyday comfort of my WK2's. Four things I want to achieve. Flat towing ability, ability to still move if you loose a driveshaft (you cannot with single speed t-case) 4 low and lockers front and back using factory available parts with modifications that can be done fairly easy.
 
#34 ·
How about a 8speed and tranfer case out of ram 1500 to have 2wd and auto 4x4 our old 15 with 3.6 is getting a ton of miles and thinking about getting the lady a new one but keep to see about a 6.4 swap and trans and trafer case from 1500 maybe a holly terminator for stand alone hemi and I found a company for a stand alone system for 8spd
 
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