I've got a '99 Cherokee Classic with 4.0 and AW4 and it recently started throwing a code about the torque converter solenoid. I had it checked at a transmission place, and they ran a complete diagnostic, and he said that the torque converter is slipping and will need to be replaced.

First, I know I need to get this dealt with ASAP. The guy told me to keep my driving to a bare minimum until I get it fixed. As of right now, having a shop replace it is out of the question. I simply don't have the $1300 it would cost for parts and labor. My step dad says we can pull it and replace it in the garage, without a lift. I know the transmission needs to come out in order to access the torque converter, and he said we can remove the transmission with the Jeep on the ground by putting it on 6 inch blocks or something like that. Is this true? I would love to be able to just pay for the TC and no labor, but I want to make sure it is really something we can do without a lift.

Any help and tips would be greatly appreciated!

 

I just finished doing my flywheel, all you need is some high jack stands and a nice toolset. Not to bad of a job at all. Good Luck

 

That's some good news, thanks! One other question, what's the best place to get a torque converter? I saw one at onlinetransmissionparts.com for $250 shipped. Also found one at torqueconverter1.com for $165 shipped. I'm just wondering if anyone else has suggestions.

 

I dont know much about where to get one, but since its going to be out i would go with a Heavy Duty one. Or a high stall converter. Choice is yours

 

Get a stock stall unless you have made modifications to the engine and/or driveline. Stall is a measure of torque, traction, and gearing. Too high and you will adversely affect your transmission and power/mileage. Too low, same deal. It's basically set to give you "launch" at a usable RPM, when the engine is making good power to move the vehicle.

It's an easy process with a good set of tools. Changed my Ranger's twice and took me no more than 2 hours, lunch included. Good sandwiches.

 

I just ordered the converter from torqueconverter1.com. They had very good feedback on EBAY and have been in business for 27 years. I also ordered some new seals from transmissionpartsusa.com.

Wish me luck!

 

So the Jeep drives fine? I might get a second opinion. Maybe another shop could change the solenoid for a little less. Also it has wiring connectors there to the trans back from the dipstick, you might want to clean/check. Just my .02

 

I have had 2 opinions. The first was from my main mechanic who doesn't do transmission work, so he couldn't tell me exactly what it was. So I took it to a transmission shop and they hooked a computer up to the Jeep and test drove it for about 100 miles, and their computer showed that the torque converter was slipping.

My step dad and I are going to replace it as well as the front and rear seals.

 

Don't forget to change the solenoid!

 

Just one last question, but should I install a tranny cooler? This will be the 4th torque converter that's been on the Jeep in 5 years/50,000 miles. The first when I bought it, the second was installed about 2 months after I got it, the 3rd about 10 months later, which has lasted approximately 4 years/40,000 miles. Will a tranny cooler help them the TC last longer?

 

holy hell. that is a lot of torque convertors.

i would definitely put a cooler in it, and make sure the fluid is clean and circulating well.

what size tires & gearing are you on? do you use 4hi a lot, particularly in deep mud and steep hills?

 

I'm just stock with 2wd.

 

oh, do u tow anything?
have the others failed completely or do they just keep throwing codes?