my 96 cherokee 4.0 ho has been shifting funny since I bought it almost like it may have a shift kit or something so I didnt worry about it I just seen a thread on it and am getting a little concerned.

I drive around town in the 3rd position and od at 55+

It seem like it revs high before wanting to shift and when it does shift it shifts hard like an old k5 700r4 with a shift kit.

Should I be concerned?

Also noticed this last night if I out it in the 1-2 position it only has first gear??? Ive put it in 3rd and od all 4 gears work.

I thought well hell this is great for crawling once my lift is done but maybe there is an issue im not seeing?

About the jeep 120k bought a month ago from original owners elderly and stock. They were trading it in for a kia rio for gas mileage while I was driving by a dealership stopped in and bought it from them.

All fluids are up to date and look excellent except the trans looks and smells a bit burnt getting it flushed this weekend maybe thats the issue?

Thanks again!
Joe

 

Oh and fyi its the base model so no tach. So it might not be revving as high as I think but definatly a bit high and shifting hard

 

Change the fluid, don't force-flush it- there's a drain plug, no need to drop the pan. About 4 qt will come out. Use Dexron III. Repeat once or twice more after driving a while.
Also adjust the TV cable, search up the "quick free fix" thread. If you've driven a 700R4 you may already be familiar with this adjustment, it's the same. Too loose creates low line pressure and mushy shifts. Too tight raises the line pressure and it shifts hard.
If it still shifts poorly, take a look at the TPS.

Staying in 1'st gear in 1-2 is normal. Sometimes it'll kick to second if you get moving fast enough.

eta: links here to adjust the cable and check the TPS:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/int...issues-165336/

 

One the first trans change should I do the filter as well or wait till the 3rd or 4th change? I was thinking running royal purple or should I just stay stock?

 

On the tv cable yes ive had to do quite a few. But technically isnt it better on the transmission to shift hard and fast rather than a slush box slow shift? Probably not great on u joints but whats a 15 dollar fix to a transmission.

Also how long should I drive on each drain and fill to get a good change? Minutes? Hours? Days?

Thanks

 

There isn't really a filter, just a fairly coarse screen. I've never had to change one.
Dexron III is what I'd stick with, it works very well with this transmission. Changing fluids at this point just adds another variable, if you want to use the RP, get the shifting issues sorted out first.

Yeah, I'd prefer quick firm shifts over slow and mushy. The AW4 isn't as picky about the TV cable adjustment as some other trans though. Too loose and you'll trash a 700R4 in about 10 miles. Found that out the hard way back in the mid 80's.
I'd drive 100 miles or so between drain and refills, although you could do more or less. It isn't that critical.

 

double post

 

Gotcha. Would you know if its actually bad or anything. Might talk to the shop about it this weekend I like a hardish shifting trans that lets you know its there but I dont want to have anyb issues with it. Ill stick to reg trans oil as well

 

Thanks. I didnt see the second part of your post lol. Ill check to make sure it isnt insanely tight. And do the first change tomorrow.

Also if its just a screen has anyone ever made a spin on style filter? Or are they 300k mile transmissions the way they sit? I know for sure im going to out a external cooler on just not sure when nor where since I dont want to take out the ac part.

 

Also why do you think I had a ahift kit mine was to loose and figured well we are gonna rebuild it may as well upgrade since it had 38.5/ I wanna say 14 plus I towed a bit with it.

Can you say gallons per mile?

 

Just do the drain and fills and drive it.

 

I know it was already said just trying to help and add on.
Try changing the TPS, its 2 bolts and an electrical clip and like $30 from Autozone. Mine starting shifting funny so I swapped the TPS and its smooth as silk now, I did Trans fluid change the day before so the combination is sweet.
Give it a try, the TPS controls how your AW4 shifts

 

Thanks. Ill give it a shot pretty sure I have a spare tb with a tps on it. Anyone know if the regular 4.0 tbs will work on a ho?

When my first jeeps tps went out it just ran terrible no shifting problems though.

 

You have an HO if it's 91 and later.