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Wrangler TJ / LJ LS swap
A typical Wrangler TJ / LJ LS swap runs about $12,000–$20,000 in parts ($7,500 on a budget), and the big decision is where the engine sits: Novak mounts bolt in after you drill the frame, and the rear trans mount bolts to the factory skid plate.
Last updated
Jeep · 1997–2006Swap kits verifiedTJ1 parts list
LS Gen III/IV swap — moderate
1997–2006 Jeep TJ/LJ Wrangler LS swap with Novak kits in three tiers (Foundation/Essential/Complete) for 4L60E automatic or AX15 manual.
Parts and steps for the Wrangler TJ / LJ
Every part option we know for each stage of the swap. Open a step, start with our pick, and check all the options. Plan your exact combination →
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Before you buy
Parts we know for this vehicle: 39 options across 10 of 10 categories.
What it costs: budget build about $7,500; typical build $12,000–$20,000 (parts, not labor, prices as of 2026-10-01).
Novak Complete kits ($4,541 4L60E / $7,987 AX15), PSI or Holley EFI ($1,099-$1,250), rebuilt 4L60E ($2,783) or new AX15 ($2,419), radiator/fan, hydro assist, hydroboost, Atlas 2
Required parts priced so far, one total per version (they're alternatives, not added together):
- 4L60E: $1,343
- AX15: $2,913
(required parts on this parts list that have a listed price; parts only: engine, transmission, wiring and labor are extra. Build the full budget →)
Tags: Verified on our parts list or confirmed on the maker's page for this vehicle · Listed the vendor's catalog names this vehicle · Community from owners' builds and small sellers.
Beta We're still fixing fitment as owners report it. Double-check parts before you buy. See what's new →
2Mounts, crossmember & oil panSet where the engine sits, then pick a pan that clears · 4 parts
Mounts & swap kits
9 options · $1,343–$8,170Why you need it: The mounts set where the engine sits, and that decides oil pan, header and driveline fit. Novak mounts bolt in after you drill the frame, and the rear trans mount bolts to the factory skid plate. The stock truck front-sump pan won't work; plan a rear-sump retrofit pan. More: engine mounts and swap kits.
Our pick and alternativespick + 2 of 9
Compare 9 mount & swap kit options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak TJ LS kit, AX15 manual, Foundation (15 parts) Verified Our pick | KIT-LS-TJ-M-1 | $2,913 2026-09-28 | Manual alternative | Direct from Novak | |
| Novak TJ LS kit, 4L60E, Foundation (5 parts) Verified | KIT-LS-TJ-A-1 | $1,343 2026-09-28 | Direct from Novak | ||
| Novak TJ LS kit, 4L60E, Essential (18 parts) Verified | KIT-LS-TJ-A-2 | $3,993 2026-09-28 | Direct from Novak | ||
| Novak TJ LS kit, 4L60E, Complete (23 parts) Verified | KIT-LS-TJ-A-3 | $4,723 2026-09-28 | Direct from Novak | ||
| Novak TJ LS kit, AX15, Essential (25 parts) Verified | KIT-LS-TJ-M-2 | $5,291 2026-09-28 | Direct from Novak | ||
| Novak TJ LS kit, AX15, Complete (31 parts) Verified | KIT-LS-TJ-M-3 | $8,170 2026-09-28 | Direct from Novak | ||
| Advance Adapters TJ LS1 V-8 engine mounts Listed | — | Jeep TJ with LS1 Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Advance Adapters | In production | |
| Dave's Customs Unlimited TJ LS weld-in engine mounts Community | — | Jeep TJ LS swaps Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Dave's Customs Unlimited | In production | |
| Novak Conversions Jeep TJ/LJ to GM LS Gen III/IV engine mounts Listed | MMTJ-G3 | $1343.00 2026-10-01 | Jeep TJ/LJ with GM LS Gen III/IV | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production |
Oil pan
2 optionsWhy you need it: The pan has to clear the crossmember, the ground and, on a 4x4, the front differential. Holley's cast rear-sump retrofit pan clears the TJ crossmember and suspension; a used F-body pan may need trimming to clear the front axle. More: oil pan guide.
Options2 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 2 oil pan options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holley LS retrofit oil pan (cast aluminum, rear-sump) Community | — | Jeep TJ crossmember and suspension clearance Doesn't fit: Stock truck front-sump LS pan Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Holley | In production | |
| GM OE F-body (Camaro/Firebird) oil pan (used) Community | F-body pan | Jeep TJ LS swaps (junkyard option) Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from GM OE | Used only |
Steering
2 optionsWhy you need it: The engine and headers have to clear the steering shaft and box, and some swaps need a new shaft or box to make room. The engine rarely hits the TJ steering; big tires are the load, so hydro assist is for 35 in and up and a GM pump matched to the Jeep box does the rest. More: steering shaft and box clearance.
Options2 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 2 steering options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Magic Brakes PSC hydro assist kit (ported steering gear, CBR pump, ram) Community | PSC hydro assist kit | Jeep TJ Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Black Magic Brakes | In production | |
| Redneck Ram Pump hot-rod instructions (DIY) Community | — | Stock Jeep TJ steering pump Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Redneck Ram | DIY |
Brakes & booster
2 optionsWhy you need it: A big cam can leave too little vacuum for the booster, and some swaps leave no room for one. A Gen III manifold vacuum port keeps the stock TJ booster; a Hydro-Boost system fits where the booster was and stores pressure if the engine dies. More: vacuum booster or hydroboost?
Our pick and alternatives2 options
Compare 2 brake & booster options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweeting Performance Hydraulic power brake system for 1997-2006 Jeep TJ (Bosch Hydro-Boost) Listed Our pick | — | 1997-2006 Jeep TJ (also Cherokee XJ) | Direct from Sweeting Performance | In production | |
| Novak Conversions Gen III manifold adapter vacuum port (power brake hose) Listed | G3VP | Gen III LS swaps keeping the stock TJ vacuum booster | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production |
Ready for the next step when you've picked where the engine sits and an oil pan that clears it.
Next: transmission & driveline →3Transmission & drivelinePick the transmission and how it shifts, then the parts behind it · 3 parts
Transmission adapter & clutch
3 options · $695–$2,913Why you need it: An LS needs its own bellhousing or adapter and the right flexplate or flywheel, and an electronic transmission needs a computer to shift it. A 23-spline adapter keeps the factory NP231 behind a 4L60E-family automatic, and a bellhousing-to-slave stack keeps the AX15 manual. More: transmission guide.
Our pick and alternatives3 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 3 transmission adapter & clutch options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Conversions 4L60E/4L65/4L70 to NP207/NP231/NP241/NP241OR/NP242/NP249 adapter, 23-spline Listed Our pick | 4L61-23 | 4L60E/4L65/4L70 transmissions to NP207/NP231/NP241/NP241OR/NP242/NP249 transfer cases | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production | |
| Quick Draw Brand LS to AX15 / NV3550 bellhousing adapter kit Community | AD-00015 | $695.00 2026-10-01 | GM LS to AX15/NV3550 manual transmissions Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Quick Draw Brand | In production |
| Novak Conversions AX15 manual conversion stack: bellhousing, GMAX15 adapter, flywheel, clutch, throwout bearing, pilot bushing, slave cylinder Listed | GMAX15 stack | $2913.00 2026-10-01 | Jeep TJ with AX15 manual transmission | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production |
Crossmember
2 optionsWhy you need it: The transmission mount usually moves, and the crossmember sets the driveline angle. More: getting driveline angles right.
Options2 options
Compare 2 crossmember options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factory Reused factory TJ crossmember and skid plate Listed | TJ crossmember/skid plate | Jeep TJ LS swaps | Direct from Factory | In production | |
| Novak Conversions Jeep rear transmission mount (polyurethane, Novak style) Listed | RMU | Jeep TJ LS swaps | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production |
Driveshaft
2 optionsWhy you need it: A different transmission is almost always a different length, so plan on a custom-length driveshaft. A V8 and automatic leave little rear shaft; an ultra-short NP231 slip-yoke eliminator gets length back, and both shafts are custom. More: driveshaft length and angles.
Options2 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 2 driveshaft options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Conversions NP231 slip yoke eliminator, ultra-short Listed | 231XS | Jeep TJ NP231 transfer cases | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production | |
| General Custom-length front/rear driveshafts (shortened/lengthened) Community | custom shafts | Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from General | In production |
Ready for the next step when you've picked the transmission and how it's controlled, and know the crossmember, driveshaft and flexplate or bellhousing it needs.
Next: accessories & cooling →4Accessories & coolingOne accessory spacing, then cooling and A/C · 3 parts
Accessory drive
2 optionsWhy you need it: The balancer, water pump, brackets and pulleys must all be one spacing, or the belt won't line up. The TJ bay is tight side to side, so a compact Corvette-style or low/mid-mount drive clears the frame rails; LS1, LS2 and LS6 need the 12674582 balancer for it. More: accessory drive guide.
Options2 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 2 accessory drive options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General High, low, or mid-mount LS accessory drive kit Listed | high/low/mid mount kit | LS engines in Jeep TJ | Direct from General | In production | |
| Chevrolet Performance CPP accessory drive system with A/C, fits LS1/LS2/LS3/LS7 Listed | 19421444 | LS1/LS2/LS3/LS7 Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Check price & fitment | In production |
Cooling
3 options · $3,993Why you need it: LS water pumps put both hoses on the passenger side and the engine needs a steam line, so the radiator needs LS-style ports or an adapter. The Novak fan only fits the Novak radiator, and an automatic needs an auxiliary trans cooler. More: radiator, fans and steam line.
Our pick and alternatives3 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 3 cooling options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Conversions TJ Wrangler radiator for LS Gen 3/4 swap with YJ/TJ electric fan & shroud Listed Our pick | K-TJ30H + FX3300-T | $3993.00 2026-10-01 | Jeep TJ Wrangler with LS Gen 3/Gen 4 | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production |
| Flex-a-lite TJ/YJ direct-fit LS conversion radiator with 15-inch Black Magic fan Listed | — | Jeep TJ/YJ with LS Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Flex-a-lite | In production | |
| Northern Auxiliary transmission cooler 30,000 BTU with fittings Listed | K-OC-H7B-N | Direct from Northern | In production |
A/C
2 options · $32.99–$529.99Why you need it: Where the compressor mounts (high or low) can decide frame, fender and header clearance, so pick it before you buy brackets. A truck-sourced engine with a Denso 10S17F or 10S20F compressor needs adapter fittings for the A/C lines. More: accessory drive guide.
Options2 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 2 A/C options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dirty Dingo Motorsports LS swap A/C compressor adapter fittings for Denso 10S17F & 10S20F Listed | DD-LS-AC-STOCK | $32.99 2026-10-01 | Truck-sourced LS engines with Denso 10S17F or 10S20F compressor Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Dirty Dingo Motorsports | In production |
| Dirty Dingo Motorsports Corvette-style billet alternator/PS/Sanden 508 A/C bracket combo Listed | DD-LS1-ALT-PS-SANDEN | $529.99 2026-10-01 | LS with Corvette-style serpentine drive Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Dirty Dingo Motorsports | In production |
More: Accessory drive guide · Cooling guide
Ready for the next step when you've picked one accessory spacing, with the balancer, water pump and brackets to match.
Next: exhaust →5ExhaustHeaders or manifolds that clear where the engine sits · 1 part
Headers & exhaust
3 optionsWhy you need it: Headers are shaped around one chassis's frame, steering and floor, so they have to be made for your vehicle and engine position. Stock LS truck manifolds don't fit a TJ. Novak headers or 5th-gen Camaro manifolds do on Novak mounts. More: headers and exhaust by chassis.
Options3 options
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why.
Compare 3 header & exhaust options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Conversions Novak stainless ceramic-coated TJ LS headers Community | — | Jeep TJ LS swaps Doesn't fit: Stock LS manifolds Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production | |
| GM OE 2013 Camaro LS exhaust manifolds (used) Community | 2013 Camaro exhaust manifolds | Jeep TJ with Novak bolt-on LS mounts Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from GM OE | Used only | |
| Holley / Hooker Blackheart Hooker Blackheart LS swap exhaust manifolds Community | 8502HKR | Jeep TJ LS swaps Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Holley / Hooker Blackheart | In production |
More: Headers & exhaust guide
Ready for the next step when you've picked headers or manifolds that clear where your mounts put the engine.
Next: fuel system →6Fuel systemPump, lines and pressure for the LS · 1 part
Fuel system
2 optionsWhy you need it: An LS runs about 58 psi of fuel pressure; a carbureted system runs 5–7 psi. 1997-2004 TJs take a GM fuel pump integration kit. More: fuel system & E85 guide.
Our pick and alternatives2 options
Compare 2 fuel system options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Conversions GM fuel pump integration kit, 1997-2004 XJ/TJ Listed Our pick · for 1997–2004 only | FSK-9704 | 1997-2004 Jeep XJ/TJ for 1997–2004 only | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production | |
| General High-pressure in-tank fuel pump, regulator and filter Listed | high-pressure pump/regulator/filter | LS-swapped TJ | Direct from General | DIY |
More: Fuel & E85 guide
Ready for the next step when you've decided return or returnless, and sized the pump and injectors for your power and fuel.
Next: wiring, computer & tune →7Wiring, computer & tuneHarness, computer and tune matched to the engine · 1 part
Harness & computer
5 options · $1,099–$1,249.95Why you need it: The computer and harness have to match the engine's crank signal (24x or 58x) and throttle (cable or drive-by-wire), and the tune has to turn VATS off. A crank-position and cruise emulator keeps the TJ cruise working, and AX15 builds add a speedo/tach signal interface for the factory gauges. More: 24x vs 58x, and which harness.
Our pick and alternativespick + 2 of 5
Compare 5 harness & computer options
| Maker / product | Part # | Price | Fits / notes | Where | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSI Conversion Jeep LS swap 24X DBC standalone harness + PCM kit Listed Our pick | — | $1099.00 2026-10-01 | 1999-2007 24X drive-by-cable GM engines with 4L60E/4L80E (covers TJ years) | Direct from PSI Conversion | In production |
| Holley HP EFI ECU & harness kit for LS1/LS6 swaps Listed | 550-602N | LS1/LS6 swaps | Direct from Holley | In production | |
| Novak Conversions Crank position and cruise emulator for GM conversions Listed | E-TXCC | GM LS conversions in TJ | Direct from Novak Conversions | In production | |
| Dakota Digital Universal speedometer & tachometer signal interface module Listed | SGI-100BT | Gauge integration in LS-swapped TJ | Buy | In production | |
| Holley Terminator X EFI system Community | Terminator X | $1249.95 2026-10-01 | LS swaps Unconfirmed Confirm this We have not confirmed this part on this vehicle yet. If you installed it, tell us what you used and why. | Direct from Holley | In production |
New Already have a tune in it? Send us the file for a free Tune Report: what to fix first, in plain English, within 1 business day. See what you get →
More: ECU comparison · Tuning
That's the last step. Put your picks together in the planner.
Plan your exact combination →Swap kits sold for this vehicle
Why it matters: the kit's mounts decide where the engine sits, and that decides oil pan, header and crossmember clearance. Confirm the kit lists your exact years. More: engine mounts and swap kits.
- — Novak Conversions
- — Advance Adapters
Questions about this swap
Every LS swap also needs
An oil pan that clears
Compare GM LS pans by sump position and depth.
Accessory drive spacing
F-body, car, truck and Corvette offsets.
Fuel system sizing
Injector and pump sizing for your power goal.
A harness, computer and tune
VATS delete, 24x vs 58x, drive-by-wire, harness makers.
A transmission
4L60E to 8HP70 behind an LS.