2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch

TTEChris · Nov 1, 2024

We have built a lot of Jeeps over the last several years, unfortunately there has always been something that has stopped me from "completing" a 2dr build.

The idea of a 2dr Manual, with a Hemi and stretch has been on my mind ever since my early JK days. Well, while my wife was in the hospital recovering from spine surgery we spent some down time shopping deals on base model 24's with the sole purpose of building what I have always dreamed of. Before she was discharged from the hospital we found and finalized a deal on a base Hydro Blue 2dr. We opted for a base model this time around as with both our spine injuries neither of us wanted to daily drive a JL/JT anymore. This Jeep will strictly be a weekend toy for us and likely live most of its life parked at the shop.

We will be putting together parts over the next couple months so that we can hopefully get started cutting things apart by the beginning of the new year.

So far we have the 2024 Hydro Blue 6spd. We have rarely named our Jeeps but everyone seems to be calling this one baby blue after the last JT "Big Blue".

Jeep Wrangler JL 2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch DSCF5328

Big Blue

Jeep Wrangler JL 2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch 12

Alloy block 448 Hemi with most of a kit ready to install.

Jeep Wrangler JL 2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch IMG_3949

D60 Axles front and rear. Once we have the suspension nailed down we will start stripping off the unneeded bracketry.

Jeep Wrangler JL 2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch IMG_4009

CloakedWillys · Nov 1, 2024

Chris, Can't wait to see what you do with this. You have always turned out nice builds.

Are you going to be using the TR-4050 trans in the swap?

TTEChris · Nov 1, 2024

CloakedWillys said:
Chris, Can't wait to see what you do with this. You have always turned out nice builds.

Are you going to be using the TR-4050 trans in the swap?

Thanks!

I have the trans adapter/centerforce clutch kit etc for the factory AL6. I don't expect it to last long, but I'm going to run with that until I find a better solution. In the grand scheme of things changing the transmission won't be a huge deal down the line. I need to do some further research when I have the rear end stretched. Some of the options I looked into on my previous 2dr ended up quite a bit longer than the factory setup which wouldn't work well with the rear axle in the factory postion.

We build a 2dr (392) for a customer with the factory AL6 manual and it's been doing great.

Zandcwhite · Nov 1, 2024

At least you know full well that trans stands no chance behind the 448 if you so much as look at the throttle. Interested to see what you come up with a replacement.

Jmos4 · Nov 1, 2024

Hi,

Dodge used the NV4500 (5 speed) from 2003-2005 and G56 (6 speed) 2006-2008 behind the newer 5.7 in 2500 trucks. Note the G56 has the bellhousing cast in it so need to find a Hemi one as Cummins transmissions are different.

Neat build please post how the build goes.

Regards,
Jim

failsafe306 · Nov 1, 2024

1. What axles are those?

2. What tire size are you planning on running?

Zandcwhite · Nov 1, 2024

Jmos4 said:
Hi,

Dodge used the NV4500 (5 speed) from 2003-2005 and G56 (6 speed) 2006-2008 behind the newer 5.7 in 2500 trucks. Note the G56 has the bellhousing cast in it so need to find a Hemi one as Cummins transmissions are different.

Neat build please post how the build goes.

Regards,
Jim

The G56 would get my vote if I were trying to find a manual to run behind a large hemi.

TTEChris · Nov 1, 2024

Thanks for the input everyone. Build plans always change along the way and thanks to communities like this finding solutions to “problems” is that much easier.

Ratbert · Nov 1, 2024

How much will it be stretched? I'm guessing the stretch is required so everything will fit.

wibornz · Nov 2, 2024

I will enjoy following this build. I am stoked for you and your wife. God speed on healing and I am sure others will be excited to watch the build unfold.

autotragic · Nov 2, 2024

TTEChris said:
We have built a lot of Jeeps over the last several years, unfortunately there has always been something that has stopped me from "completing" a 2dr build.

The idea of a 2dr Manual, with a Hemi and stretch has been on my mind ever since my early JK days. Well, while my wife was in the hospital recovering from spine surgery we spent some down time shopping deals on base model 24's with the sole purpose of building what I have always dreamed of. Before she was discharged from the hospital we found and finalized a deal on a base Hydro Blue 2dr. We opted for a base model this time around as with both our spine injuries neither of us wanted to daily drive a JL/JT anymore. This Jeep will strictly be a weekend toy for us and likely live most of its life parked at the shop.

We will be putting together parts over the next couple months so that we can hopefully get started cutting things apart by the beginning of the new year.

So far we have the 2024 Hydro Blue 6spd. We have rarely named our Jeeps but everyone seems to be calling this one baby blue after the last JT "Big Blue".

Big Blue

Alloy block 448 Hemi with most of a kit ready to install.

D60 Axles front and rear. Once we have the suspension nailed down we will start stripping off the unneeded bracketry.

This is the way. Haters gonna hate.

HK1s · Nov 2, 2024

lightspeed bro, I would like to see the result NOW.

Astro Jeep · Nov 2, 2024

Do a 2 door diesel! It would most likely have to have a custom DEF tank, but it would still be amazing. The fuel mpg would be fantastic.

TTEChris · Nov 2, 2024

Astro Jeep said:
Do a 2 door diesel! It would most likely have to have a custom DEF tank, but it would still be amazing. The fuel mpg would be fantastic.

I always wanted to do a 4BT JK, but I already have the alloy block hemi and most of a kit to install it in this JL. My JT was a Diesel and I loved it (DEF system was eliminated when I relocated the fuel tank). I only wish they offered the ecodiesel in a manual.

Also being strictly a toy, fuel mileage isn’t a huge concern. My wife and I have daily drivers that more than offset the 8mpg we will likely get

Notgeowild · Nov 2, 2024

I love this thread already!

2dr JL Build: Hemi, 6mt, Stretch

TTEChris

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CloakedWillys

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TTEChris

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Zandcwhite

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Jmos4

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failsafe306

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Zandcwhite

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TTEChris

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Ratbert

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wibornz

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autotragic

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HK1s

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Astro Jeep

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TTEChris

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Notgeowild

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