Kymasabe

Well, I haven't been around here for a while, haven't had an XJ in the last 3 or 4 years so...
My 98 and 2000 XJ's are gone (2000 sucked and rotted away, 98 was awesome but sold to a friend).
So, I'm looking at a 96 XJ, 155k miles, auto trans, AND it's my first 4x4. Ever.
So, I'm sort of familiar with the basics on the 2wd's for services, but have no idea what to do with a 4x4. I'd like to go thru and do all the fluids but I'm not sure about some of them so I'd like to run a few things past you all and get your input.

Oil and filter: I was using Mopar filters or WIX and 6 quarts of decent 10w30 (I'm in SW Florida, hot all year round) No additives. Still a good choice? or should I be using semi-synthetic or Rotella or something like that?

Transmission: used to be the AW4, is it still now that I have 4WD ?? I'm guessing my local Napa will have the pan gasket and filter I need, but what trans fluid should I be using? Fluids have changed so much over the years, I have no idea what trans fluid I need. ATF4 maybe ?

Front and Rear differential? I'm lost here. In the past, I think one of them had a Chrysler 8.25 rear, but now that I have 4x4, I have no idea of that changes. Would they both be Dana's? Do they have drain plugs or do I have to pull the covers? And how much fluid do I need AND what weight ?? I'm a big fan of Amsoil Severe Gear ...used 75w140 in a Dakota rear that had Chry8.25 per Dodges recommendations, but again, no idea what front and rear is in this thing and what fluid weight I need, or capacity. I'm guessing 5 quarts will do both diff's.

Transfer case: Never had one. This is new to me. I'm guessing it has a drain plug and a fill plug, and I'll guess that the fill is on a side and you fill 'til it leaks out like a differential. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Again, which fluid goes in this thing, and how much?

Do the front axles require any maintenance? Are there grease fitting or anything up there that lube the axles ? Or is it just lube from the front diff?

Well, that's all for now. I'm a little nervous about buying an 21 year old 4x4, would be much happier if it was 2WD but...am thinking this could be a cool little project, a little lift, some decent tires, maybe new bumpers eventually and a winch, go get myself in a little trouble in the woods with the local Jeepers club, put a Jeep Wave sticker back on the side mirrors.

Oh, and it'll get parked right next to my wifes '04 WJ Grand Cherokee !!
thank you all in advance for you help, I really appreciate it.

Kymasabe

I found this, not sure if it's accurate. Can someone double check it for me please ??

From the JEEP Factory Service Manual

Cherokee Fluid Capacities

Engine Oil
-2.5L (4cyl) - 4.0 Quarts (3.8L)
-4.0L (6cyl) - 6.0 Quarts (5.7L)

Cooling System
-2.5L (4cyl) - 9.0 Quarts (8.5L)
-4.0L (6cyl) - 10.5 Quarts (9.9L)

Automatic Transmission
-4.0L (6cyl) The AW-4 Automatic Transmission uses Transmission Fluid labeled Dexron-III/Mercon.

- Drain and Re-fill = 4 Quarts (3.8L)
- Filter and complete fluid exchange = 8 Quarts (7.8 L)

-2.5L (4cyl) Chrysler/Mopar Automatic Transmissions use ATF+3 or ATF+4 Type 7176

Manual Transmission
-AX-5 5 speed manual - 3.3 quarts 75W-90 GL3 or GL4 (NOT GL5 or GL5 compatible as incorrectly stated in some Owners Manuals)
-AX-15 5 speed manual - 3.32 quarts 75W-90 GL3 or GL4 (NOT GL5 or GL5 compatible as incorrectly stated in some Owners Manuals)
-NV3550 5 speed manual - 2.1 quarts Mopar fluid part # 04874464AA or Snychromax (meets Mopar MS-9224 specs)

The NLGI specs are important - typical NLGI GL-5 gear oil carries added sulphur used as an Extreme Pressure (EP) lubricant. Especially when heated, sulphur is antagonistic to yellow (copper-based) metals - and the synchronizer rings and any bushings in the AX-15 are bronze. Most synthetic gear oils are rated GL-5 and are listed as "safe for use with yellow metals."

Unlike API specs (to API Service SL/CJ-4,) NLGI Service specifications are not reverse-compatible. Well-stocked parts houses will have both NLGI GL-3 and NLGI GL-5 mineral-based gear oil in stock all the time.

If you want to use a synthetic (RedLine, AmsOil, etc.) either check the back of the bottle or check the manufacturer's website to make sure it's safe for use with yellow metal - using sulphur-bearing gear oils usually results in draining your synchronizer rings at your next fluid change...

Transfer Case
-NV231 Part-Time (Command-Trac) - 2.2 Pints (1.0L) Dexron III/Mercon

-NV242 Full-Time (Selec-Trac) – 2.85 Pints (1.3L) Dexron III/Mercon

Front Axle
-Dana 30 - 2.5 Pts (1.2L) SAE 75W-90

Rear Axle
-When equipped, Trac-Lok Limited Slip rear axles require 4 ounces of Friction Modifier Additive

-Dana 35 - 3.5 Pints (1.66L) SAE 75W-90
-Dana 44 - 4.0 Pints (1.89L) SAE 75W-90
-Chrysler 8.25 - 4.4 Pints (2.0L) SAE 75W-90

For towing and off-road use SAE 75-140 synthetic

pythontaco

You have owned 2 2wd Cherokees? I feel like I would have learned my lesson after the first one. Most of the stuff will be the same google will help you with all the specifics. Congrats on the new ride welcome to the 4wd club.

Kymasabe

I've tried Google but am getting conflicting information regarding fluid capacities and weights.

EZEARL

Do yourself and your XJ a favor and download the factory service manual.
http://www.pacificcoastmanuals.com/1...ce_manual.html

What fluids and capacities specifically?

Your auto trans is an AW4. Has a drain plug on the pan. No filter per se just a screen. In most cases no need to change it. Drain and refill (just under 3qts) with Dextron III (Walmart's Valvoline Dex/Merc). Do this periodically until fluid is clean.

Transfer case you drain and fill until it seeps out. Same fluid as your tranny.

Differentials are a Dana 30 in the front and either a C8.25 or Dana 35 in the rear. You have to remove the covers to change fluids. Good cause you can clean them out. Fill until they seep out.

fb97xj1

When it comes to the transfer case, remove the fill plug first, then the drain plug.

BlueRidgeMark

If you don't have the latest Adobe installed, it may not work. It will not work at all with other PDF readers. If you have a problem, too bad, you are out the money. The owner's a jerk on his good days.


Or see my sig, #3, if it's really bad.

And use Dex/Merc no matter what the guy at the parts store tells you!

At some point, Chrysler started telling people to use AT4, and it's WRONG, so there is conflicting info out there. Dex III/Mercon is the right stuff.

On the oil, see The Great Salad Oil Thread. It's worth reading all the way through.