Klune Underdrive with 2007 Commander

[Jhowe2k]

Basically put, I bought a Sport 4x4 that has a NV140 (would like to add a Klune Underdrive). Figured I would never lift my Commander but like with all my Jeeps I have started to get the itch. I like my hwy gearing; and since there arent really aftermarket gear sets available it only seems natural to improve on the problem area (My t-case's lack of gearing in this instance). While 1:1 is great at 80mph its terrible when you need to crawl. I would assume that the NV140 has the same bolt pattern as its NV23X/NV24X cousins which might make it physically possible to mate the Klune to the 5 spd. Obviously driveshaft lengths would need to be addressed but the ones that come with it are kinda funky anyhow. Now to the big question that I need AEV's assistance with........how well will the onboard computers take to the new found lower gearing? Would the auto tranny have the programming to know when to shift a 2.72 reduced driveline (keep in mind that the sport has the 3.7 with the 5 spd auto that is different than the tranny used behind the v8s) I just really like the idea of having 4-low (which obviously the NV140 does not) if I am going to be modifying this Jeep. I plan on purchasing a 4" lift etc. within a year or so now that this is paid for, but may change my mind if I cant squeeze some reduction out of it. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

-Jared

[AEV Matt]

What trans do you have in the car? If its the 5-45, you would be OK, the bolt pattern is the same. If its one of the Mercedes trans the bolt pattern is different and the Klune won't work. You'll need to figure out how to shift the Klune and check for physical clearance issues. I'll have to check on the electronics, it might freak out a bit, might not. There is no way to tell it that its in Low Range, so the trans output speed sensors won't jive with the wheel speed sensors.

Matt

[Jhowe2k]

Wonder if it would be any easier just to swap to the QTII T-Case then. I figured that the computer is what sends the binary to the Tcase and it may do so based on what Tcase it sees (assuming there is firmware on the Tcase module that may identify it in some way). I know the 3.7s could get the QTII Tcase (with 4-low) in 2006 but in 07 they all went to the QT1. Either way, I still believe I have the Mercedes tranny which would require an adapter or a devorced case. Gotta love the complications.

-Jared

[Jhowe2k]

I'll have to check on the electronics, it might freak out a bit, might not.

Matt

Matt, were you able to come up with any info regarding this? I spoke with one of the reps and they mentioned that if it didnt share the same bolt pattern that an adapter can be made for the application. Basically I was assured that it would physically or rather mechanically work. The electronics on the other hand are the tricky part. Would it be as easy as disabling the ESP via the dash/console button? Gauges reading inaccurately (speedo etc) dont really concern me. Wheel sensors such as abs could possibly be bypassed (isnt abs worse when used in offroad conditions?). If all else fails I would still like to upgrade to the 3.73:1 gears the V8 Commanders have. This is where your superlift module comes in. So far you dont support anything except stock and 4.11:1 gearing. Is there a way to build in more options for gearing like you guys did with the tire sizes? Surely there will be a number of v6 commanders getting this lift that wouldnt mind getting the 3.73s to regain the lost power. As I stated in my first post I plan on lifting this vehicle the right way, and want to be able to have the mods to make it worth while.

-Jared

[CEPCNC]

Believe it or not, The V6 and the 4" lift with 33s isn;t really all that bad in the V6 with the base package.

[Jhowe2k]

Yeah, I never really understood why the V8 guys are so disgusted with the performance of the v6 either. Its not terrible as most would think. They probably assume that its got the same tranny gearing that they have, but with the low gearing of the 5 spd in the 6 cyl its pretty much on par performance wise. Feels similar if not better to my 4.3 in my 02 ZR2. Granted if the 6 cyl had the 4spd auto it would be a dog. I may have to give up my 4-lo idea if the dash button doesnt solve the issue, but the diff gears should be too easy to add into the programming of the existing module aev offers. Moving up to 3.55s or 3.73s would be ideal since both of those gear sets are available for our axles from mopar (anything would be better than the 3.07s).

-Jared

[CEPCNC]

Yeah, I never really understood why the V8 guys are so disgusted with the performance of the v6 either. Its not terrible as most would think. They probably assume that its got the same tranny gearing that they have, but with the low gearing of the 5 spd in the 6 cyl its pretty much on par performance wise. Feels similar if not better to my 4.3 in my 02 ZR2. Granted if the 6 cyl had the 4spd auto it would be a dog. I may have to give up my 4-lo idea if the dash button doesnt solve the issue, but the diff gears should be too easy to add into the programming of the existing module aev offers. Moving up to 3.55s or 3.73s would be ideal since both of those gear sets are available for our axles from mopar (anything would be better than the 3.07s).

-Jared

I think the ideal gearing, in my opinion, would be 4.11

I hope to see that by 2010...I would trade in and do the lift all over again.

[Jhowe2k]

No reason to buy new and redo the lift over gear ratios. Swapping ring and pinion gears etc is not that big of a deal. Right now there are 3 factory choices for the 7.9AAM front and 8.3AAM rear. 3.07s (most V6s), 3.55s (v6 with QTII <-- I think for the commanders that was only avail in 2006), and finally 3.73s (all models with v8). Hopefully they will add 4.11s soon. This said, you should be able to get the ring/pinion gears direct from mopar and have them swapped in at your local shop or even by yourself if you have the technical know-how. Unfortunately this would require some reprogramming of the computer, much like that of changing tire sizes -but to a greater extent. Obviously AEV has this capability in the module they sell, whether or not there is enough demand to incorporate it is another story. I do know that Superchips advertises a tire/gear ratio reprogrammer for the 3.7s. My logic is that if some 3.7s came with the 3.55 ratio from the factory, whats the major dilemma with going to 3.73s to have that little bit of performance edge. Obviously the tire size would go up so the gearing might even work itself out while not loosing the performance. Are you listening AEV? :D

-Jared

[4.7commander]

no, they don't care. they care more about the JK.

you have to build your own stuff.;)

[QUOTE= Are you listening AEV? :D

-Jared[/QUOTE]

[Jhowe2k]

Well, 4.7 in all honesty if 90% of my sales came from the JKs then thats where I would focus my product line. I do feel your pain though. Making parts is fun as I do a bit of fab work myself, programming on the other hand I will leave to the experts. I wont get bent out of shape though. The Commander wasnt designed to be an offroad war wagon, thats why I have two other jeeps to fit that bill. I just wouldnt mind making this one a better fit for my personality ---aka modest lift/tires/etc, more of an expeditionary drive across America and see the national parks kinda Jeep. I will say though that I would like to see a bit more input from AEV in these threads, it would eliminate all the guessing as they seem to know or at least have access to the knowledge I am looking for.

-Jared

[4.7commander]

i'll post some pictures of mine next weekend.

i'm building mine into a expedition style truck.

a few hints

2.25" lift
32" tires
1.5" spacers
full winch bumper with grill guard (almost done)
rear bumper (in my head design right now)
rocker guards (just waitning for my tube bender to show up tomorrow):D