DesertRobot111

So I've always wanted a rugged 4x4 vehicle. I've always enjoyed off roading and long drives through the mountains. Now, I'm lucky enough to have a 1987 Jeep Cherokee Pioneer (XJ) as my first car. It's nearly all stock, except for some rockers, tires, and the fact that the previous owner installed a lift kit. I'm its third owner, it's been babied its whole life, and has very few miles. But just today, I got insurance on it, and was able to take it out on the street. It has a manual transmission (which I'm still learning). I was in third gear, slowed to make a turn, when to shift to second, and realized the shifter wouldn't move. It was stuck in neutral. My Uncle (who is more mechanically inclined than I am) put it in 4x4 low, let the clutch out, and forced it into third gear. That managed to get the shifter free, and we were able to get it back to his property. However, once there, it had the same problem of getting stuck in neutral. This time he couldn't get it in gear. It's stuck even when it's off. The transmission always had 2 problems, it was hard to get into first gear, and if you didn't hold the shifter in reverse, it would pop up into neutral. I don't know what it could be. Before this it worked fine. My uncle drove it around with no problems, the previous owner never had any problems, and I was very gentle with the shifter. It's full on fluids, that much I know for sure. I'm sorry this post is so long, but I'm worried.

madmanmarty

Check your shifter linkage,esp. The bushings.

Larry's XJ

No clue how putting it in 4lo would have anything to do with shifting the trans.

How many miles on this beast? Might be time to give the trans some love. Just because it's full doesn't mean it isn't worn, or even right type.

You might also have to learn how to double clutch on down shifts.

One tip I will give you. A clutch is either "Engaged" or it is "Dis-engaged" don't be riding or slipping the clutch. Don't drive with foot "resting" on clutch pedal.

cruiser54

Your XJ has the infamous Peugeot BA-10 transmission.

Perhaps there is an issue where the shifter goes into the transmission.

caged

it is easier to shift into third rather than first or second. it's a syncro thing.

so putting the lever in 4 low allows the jeep to be driven in third from a dead stop.

OP, it sounds to me your sycro's are shot or getting there.
not sure, but you should look for an ax15 or nv3550 trans and throw that in there.

Themrjsmitty

I had a similar problem with my 88 (same transmssion too) i did an AX-15 swap.

DesertRobot111

Just below 200,000

We've already torn out center console and disassembled the shifter assembly.

That is right up there with my least favorite option. I don't have a ton of money to get the transmission swapped. Or for a ton of professional labor. I was really hoping it was something I could fix rather easily. But thank you. I'll keep this post up to date. Furthermore, I have a list of possible problems.

DesertRobot111

You're the winner. I need a new transmission. The Peugeot costs more to fix than it's worth.

cruiser54

Perhaps someone around you has a used one left over from an AX15 swap?

Where are you located?

DesertRobot111

Out in Southern California, the High Desert, Hesperia. Not too far from King of Hammers.

I'm not sure what I'm doing yet. The previous owner is a friend, so he might be able to take care of it. But he's out at King of Hammers, so he could be back tomorrow or a week from now.

If I have to start looking I'm make another post. Thank you though.

cruiser54

Post up a request here:

https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f34/

Rogue4x4

You are really close to me. Live in Apple Valley, work in Hesperia for Advance Disposal. Wish I had one, I'd help ya out, LOL...

I do, however, have a bit of advice for you. Contact Sean at Inland Jeep. 909-346-6328 and his email addy is inlandjeep812@gmail.com. He's located in Rialto, so a short drive down the pass. He does a lot of part outs, and is a super good dude. Tell him you were referred from CF from the guy that bought his stroker motor. As I stated before, super cool guy, and he's got great prices. Also, check the local pick and pulls here, I have had a fair amount of success there. Gotta stay on it though, XJ parts go QUICKLY. Let us know what happens!

DesertRobot111

Sorry I haven't posted back, I'm still in limbo about all of this. Rightfully it's on the previous owner to fix it, which means convincing him I need a new trany. However, everyone I've talked to (including my Uncle who's acted as an intermediary for this whole process) says to swap it out. I'm gunning for the AX-15 if I can find one, so I'll take whatever leads I can get (thank you all for the help and support) But again, nothing for certain until I can sit with the previous owner and talk.

I'll make a new post about what's going on as soon as somethings certain. Again thank you guys. You're all great.

firehawk618

My buddies Pukegeot trans did something similar to this.

What happened with his is the transmission was physically in 1st gear but the shift lever was in neutral therefore you couldn't put the lever in any gear because it was already in 1st.

The solution was to remove the shift lever, use a screw driver to force the 1-2 shift rail to the neutral position then re-install the shifter.

After seeing how SMALL the shift lever tab / shift gates are on the Pugeot I advised him to shift VERY deliberately. What I mean by that is when doing any left to right motion between gears make sure you are lined up in the 1-2, 3-4 or 5-R gates before moving the shifter forward or backwards.

Since I advised him of that it hasn't happened again.

Hope this makes sense.