Finally found a stock Rubicon. Unfortunately it’s a manual and the wife is struggling to get the hang of it. Is it even feasible to look into converting it to an automatic or keep looking for one with an automatic.
Rubicon Transmission Swap
- Thread starter Jdonalds
- Start date
Lots of work to go auto but it's definitely doable. Look at @JMT Build thread as he just finished one. There is a host of others that can tell you what will be needed. It won't be cheap, easy or fast
It’s possible, but if you’ve not bought anything yet, keep looking. It’s a lot of tedious work. I did it a couple years ago, because I’ve had my Jeep a while and the devil you know, etc.
Also, if you’re just test driving, give her some time. It takes a little practice to get decent and learn the clutch engagement.
Also, if you’re just test driving, give her some time. It takes a little practice to get decent and learn the clutch engagement.
I've done it twice. The best way to convert this one to an automatic is to not buy it and find a different one that is.
Thanks for the advice. I’ve owned it for a few weeks, but maybe she needs more training. I’ll go back on the search for an automatic. At least I have a Rubicon until I find another one.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
Everyone struggles,
and no one is perfect on just a few test drives
Im teaching my wife to drive manual as well as my boys on the TJ 4.0L 5sp. I would buy it and tell her to stick with it,
it will come with sincere effort in a short period of time. Manuals are everywhere in the world, she will be a much more versatile driver. Plus one of the best Anti-Theft devices these days
I had to learn on my own in Seattle at age 19….that sucked, but I had it down in a few days
and no one is perfect on just a few test drives
Im teaching my wife to drive manual as well as my boys on the TJ 4.0L 5sp. I would buy it and tell her to stick with it,
it will come with sincere effort in a short period of time. Manuals are everywhere in the world, she will be a much more versatile driver. Plus one of the best Anti-Theft devices these days
I had to learn on my own in Seattle at age 19….that sucked, but I had it down in a few days
She’ll probably get the hang of it, but an auto swap is definitely doable. If I have done it anyone can do it. You have to acquire a lot of parts. It’s tedious. If I could find an auto I’d go that route.
HardSell
TJ Enthusiast
I'm a big fan of converting from a manual to an automatic transmission, I did the conversion to my previous TJ for offroading purposes. But I absolutely would not do for your TJ so just because your wife is having the normal initial struggles mastering the transmission.
My youngest daughter did too at first... it's not as easy as an automatic afterall... but master it she did after a full day (or two) of driving with it. I drove my first manual with struggles my first day or two too but it's normal and she absolutely can master it as well. Not to mention it wouldn't be nearly as easy to convert your 06 to the computerized automatic as it was for my non-computerized automatic that was used in 2002 and older TJs.
Before automatics became widely available all women drivers drove with manual transmissions and they thought nothing of it. She can do it too.
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