tjordan

Just took in my 99 Cherokee Sport after noticing third gear was slow engaging and tach was racing in 3rd. Was told my Jeep had a toyota transmission and clutches were going and needed to be rebuilt, toyota transmission could not be repaired - 1400.00 repair. I am an amateur and wanted to see if that made sense to anyone.

Thanks!

crystalion

The Aisin-Warner four-speed automatic transmission (AW4) was selected by AMC in 1987 for use in the Cherokee XJ's new inline six-cylinder 4.0 L design. It was manufactured by Aisin-Warner, a member of the Toyota group, in partnership with Borg-Warner. It shares many parts with the Aisin 450-43LE that is used in Toyota off-road vehicles.
The AW4 is also used behind the 2.5 L (150 in³) AMC Straight-4 engine. It has a removable bell housing with a mount for the crankshaft position sensor. Early AW4s used 21-spline output shafts. In 1991 the AW4 was changed to a 23-spline output shaft, concurrent with adoption of the High Output (commonly known as H.O.) inline six-cylinder engine. Some sources state that the output shaft spline change occurred for the 1990 model year. The change most likely occurred during the 1990 model run with early 1990 models receiving 21-spline transmission and later models receiving 23-spline. If swapping transmissions in 1990 model year vehicles either swap the transfer case as well or make sure to check spline count. The input on the transfer case can also be changed to match the output shaft spline count. Rear wheel drive only transmissions all have the same spline count on the output shaft, only 4x4 models are affected by differing spline count



On that note yes IF the clutches in that drum are worn it will give the slip shifting BUT usually most places laugh (we did) at repairs. Since we would have to drop the unit anyway and find more things bad -call U. If at that point you don't want it rebuilt which is something to keep in mind IF the drum is toast the shop will usually just do a quick fix and not give 2 craps what else is maybe on the verge of going bye bye.Most shops have a place where they keep good/used clutches -frictions and steels for just such occasions--for the cheapos u might say.
Also I don't think you get any type of good warrenty on a repair as opposed to a rebuild. Their thinking is he'll be back and then we'll sell him a whole unit and usually deduct SOME of the repair bill from before.

Everybody needs to make money and since tranny's are for the most part way outta 99% of peoples understandings ur at the mercy of the shop. I've seen a couple on craigslist from time to time or u can try to find a good JY one. Be carefull what U do and get some second and 3rd opinions.

tjordan

Thanks for the info..very helpful. The 1400.00 quote was for the rebuild and would come with a one year guarantee. The shop has a good rep in the area but since I am beyond clueless re: transmission, I wanted some smart folks to give me some advice. So, is the 1400.00 reasonable if I want to keep the vehicle another 150K miles?

crystalion

YES that is reasonable !! Most cars ANY car is about 1K so for 1.4K that seems right in the ballpark. Most people don't realize that even if an engine like the 4.0 can go 200-300K that doesn't mean the trans is up to that standard. I think your getting a good deal especially if the shop has the reliability that U speak of. They will also check your converter which usually is not in the rebuild price so if that is bad expaect a few more $.

If ya can see if they accept CASH-that will take care of a tax burden. They will usually just put your exchange on a ticket thats marked for another place they deal with that has a tax ID..here in NY 8.899978789987765789% tax on 1,400 adds up.

jeremy175

http://www.quadratec.com/products/52160_1100.htm

crystalion

If it was ME--and I had the bucks whether my credit card---mom---wife---one of my ungrateful kids----doing it by myself --- the shop is putting it in or this is the ONE that the shop has offered

I would do it.

Some people like their old units rebuilt beacause they belive that for a decade or more and 200K miles that THIS particular transmission is worthy of new life.

Me- I would have MINE rebuilt ( if all the money was the same) if above was the thing.

BUT--for a BRAND NEW tranny --IF TRUE would mean ALL new parts !!! ( The case itself !) I would also hope that many of the older parts were made somewhat better. In that case betsy waits to be used for pieces fr the NEWBIE needs help..


If its $1400.00- and you have some choices--CHOOSE--its a personal Jeep thing. I know.

TheJerm

A brand new trans would be just like what they put in when they were building XJ's on a production line, why waste money to improve a trans that is no longer used in production? I bet these new transmissions are whats left over from the end of the XJ production life. Doesnt mean theres anything wrong with it.

Here's another option for you. Find someone who's parting out a jeep XJ, buy the trans for 200-500 (price depends) and swap it in yourself. Save $1000 and feel awesome for doing a trans swap yourself

Bustedback

This is the way I would go and install it myself. Shipping will be extra, but it's a brand new effing transmission for less than 2 grand!

excess650

I had a local shop tell me that they charged $3500 for a remanufatured trans installed! Another local shop quoted me $502 to change the filter, fluid, and replace the S1 solenoid, so its jacked up in my driveway with the pan dropped and awaiting me to install the solenoid.

I had encountered the NEW trans somewhere online for less than the price of a remanufactured one, and would go that route myself. It included new wiring and the torque converter!

tjwalker

That is a good price for a rebuild (if it includes ALL labor). If this shop has a good reputation, it is a definite option to consider.

Another option as mentioned is to try to find a lower mileage salvage yard transmission. But depending on where you are located and what you can find, with the labor, you may have more into it than you originally thought. Which then makes the rebuild look better.

Whatever route you go, fill it with fresh DEX/MERC III compatible fluid; I wouldn't use anything else, including ATF+4. SEARCH and you'll find more than a few threads discussing this.

DualSportDad

These transmissions last forever if properly taken care of. Mine just went out in my XJ cause the PO didn't ever service it. I got a 92 aw4 and put it in my 97 with ATF+4 and couldn't be happier. I paid $250 for the Trans from the local junk yard and installed it myself. The junk yard even warrantied it.

Sent from my HTC EVO running CM7 using Cherokee Forum

Bustedback

Get that ATF+4 out of there! Use Dextron/mercon in the AW4.

SnakeEyes814

I'm running atf+4 in my 99 with no issues at all. I've seen nothing solid or conclusive in the debate between fluids.

Sent from my DROIDX using Cherokee Forum

tjordan

Hey folks,

I need to order new struts as my tailgate won't stay open and tired of banging my head...looks straightforward - any advice.

TheJerm

You wont say that when your transmission dies after several thousand miles. Theres a reason they specify dex/mec fluid for these transmission.