Currently there is a big gaping hole in the bell housing of my 1999 Jeep Cherokee automatic transmission. I’ve been talking with a guy who is parting out his 2000 Jeep Cherokee (also automatic) and was planning on buying his tranny, however he said there is a difference between the two model years trannys. So my question is: Is there a difference? And if so will it still work for my ‘99?

 

depends the tail ends are different if the jeep is 4wd or 2wd iirc

 

IIRC, the bellhousing on the AW4 unbolts from the transmission. BUT, I may be wrong. I'll have to check my FSM.

Yes it does. The transmissions should be the same anyways unless the speed sensor is electronic in the 2000. My FSM for the 2000 shows a magnetic sensor in the transmission and a speedometer sensor in the t/case adapter. If the 99 has the same sensors, it will work. At the very least, you can use the bellhousing from the 2000 on your 99.

 

Can't he just replace the busted bell housing on his?

 

Sure. He can either buy one or get one from a junkyard. If he cares to,he can buy the 2000, use the bellhousing, and keep the trans as a spare bullet!

 

The 1999 and the 2000 are straight swaps.
https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1053970

 

I was thinking that, but didn't say so because I wasn't sure. Good to know.

 

Yeah, but I still gotta drop the tranny to get to it so I was just gonna go all in and but a newer one in

 

As long as your sure his tranny is in better condition than yours.

 

A known condition is better than an unknown one, so I'd stick with yours and keep his as a spare. Just my opinion, however.

The AW4 is about as bullet-proof as jeep transmissions get, but still, as long as yours isn't slipping or shifting weird, keep it.