Figured I would throw together a brief list of info for swapping in the 8hp70 in early 4th gens… I couldn’t find a lot of this out there so some was trial by fire and then leaning on others (thanks to Alex LaBrash), as they were the biggest help. The process would be similar in earlier models but part numbers and custom work may have to change up.
8 Speed Parts List:
8hp70 Transmission -
Used - $500-$900
Torque Converter -
Comes with JY Trans - $0
Torque Converter Bolts x6 - $1.10 (6509361AA)
Flex Plate (Flywheel) - $43 (4752574AB)
Flex Plate Bolt Spacer -$5 (4736613AA)
Crankshaft Pilot Sleeve - $14 (4736283AA)
Trans Mount Bracket - $72 (68147349AB)
Trans Mount Bracket Bolts x4 - $2 (6102400AA) - (M10x1.5x30)
Trans Mount - $70 (68147348AB)
Trans Mount Nuts x3 - $5 (6502979) - (M10x1.5)
Drive Shaft - Size Depends on Cab - $75-150 Used
Drive Shaft Bolts Trans Side and Diff $5 Each (6506497AA) (8 in total, can reuse old diff bolts)
Drive Shaft Carrier Crossmember - $300 (68055090AB)
Drive Shaft Carrier Bracket to Xmember - $6 (52105587AD)
Drive Shaft Carrier Bolts x 4 - $5 (6101060)
Driveshaft Carrier Nuts x 6 - $3 (6504728)
Transmission Vent Hose - $16 (4627854AB)
Dial Shifter or Console Shifter - Dial (Part# Varies on 2wd/4wd) - $300 New ($50 Used)
Engine to Trans Bolts (Pass Thru Block and Thread into Trans)x2 - $2.55 (6101985) (M10x1.5x45)
Engine/Converter dust Shield (Bottom 2 bolts, thread into Trans) x2 - $2.55 (6101985) (M10x1.5x45)
Sound German Automotive wiring/tcm and Recalibration - $1250
Fluid - Walmart.com Best Cost Option for Mopar Fluid - 6qts deal x2 ($110 Each - 12qts total)
Lines:
3/4-16 Tap - (8an)
2 - 8an ORB to 6an Fittings
2 - 90 Degree 6an to Hose Barb Fittings
5 Ft - 3/8 ID Transmission Hose
4 - Hose Clamps
Cut Factory lines near block and flared the end with flare tool for a raised lip
Misc:
Wire to Run Brake Feed to SGA Harness.
File to File Down tab on Can Bus Line on SGA Harness (purple connector) to Fit Can BUS C Star Connector (under steering wheel area, star connector with yellow wires)
Bolts/Screws to Mount SGA Computer and OBD Port Connector (I went under drivers seat)
Zip Ties - To Clean up Wiring
Grommet if you pass Harness Thru Cab (I Used 1.5" ID (1 3/4 Inch Cut Out) From Amazon, This same grommet can plug the shifter cable hole in firewall as well, if you opt for no neutral cable. (will need 1 3/4 hole saw for this grommet)
Solder / Crimpers For SGA Harness Install
Add a fuse (micro fuse) I tapped into fuse 99 (climate control) - make sure power remains constant in accessory, run, AND crank - goes to yellow wire in sga harness)
Reused 6 Speed:
Transmission Crossmember - No Modifying was needed
Engine to Trans bolts (Bolts that pass thru trans and go into block (top 4 bolts)
Flex Plate Bolts
Trans Mount Nuts
Starter and Bolts
Trans lines and Cooler (after modifying)
Cable Brackets (frame)
Optional Items:
PPE Trans Pan
Performance Converter
Transmission Tune
Trans Heater
Trans Oem Lines
Trans Oem Coolant Lines (won’t be able to use valve)
Rear Main Seal (add RTV to List if Doing Seal)
Neutral Cable - $51 (68211076AG)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Trans - $8 (68149025AB)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Trans Bolts x2 - $6 (6510721AA) - (M8x1.5x18)
Neutral Cable Bracket on Frame (Reuse 6 speed Bracket - 68080743AA)
Neutral Cable Bracket to Starter Bolt and Plastic Clip (Reuse 6 Speed)
Steering Column Shroud - $36 (1GE44DX9AC)
Tips:
1.) sga harness only needs brake input, power, ground, accessory power, can bus(purple connector, and shifter wires …. Using the can bus reduces the need to use a lot of the wires (kit can be used in non can bus vehicles, these would need the other wires)
2.) the driveshaft carrier crossmember I used is the oem one and I welded it in…. You could use a piece of square tubing (1x4) just measure your frame rails for length. If you can’t weld you could riv nut some angle iron into the side of the frame to bolt the angle iron to frame then the angle Iron to your crossmember.
the recalibration sga does made my dash work like stock, trans temp reads out, no cel lights, and P,R,N, D all are in sync with dial shifter.
4.) the factory 8hp70 tcm is in the trans, you will have two ports on the sga harness for diag/tuning….. the obd port is for tuning the oem tcm, the 3 wire gm style connector is for adjusting the new tcm from sga.
5.) the flywheel is bolted to the crank , welds facing toward rear of vehicle, DONT NOT FORGET TO INSERT THE CRANK PIOLT BUSHING.
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