Well, my '98 XJ's transmission just bit the dust with around 196, 000 miles on it so I have to have another one Installed. I was wondering if anyone has ever ordered one offline and who from. On uneedapart.com they list junk yards that have the part you need and have found some with fairly low mileage. I have found some around here but they have the same mileage mine does. Don't want to go that route.

 

My advice (and I think you are going this route) is to buy the AW4 with the lowest mileage you can find on it. It's really the only thing you can do to increase your odds of getting a good transmission. Well worth the extra cost.

I have installed more salvage yard transmissions than I can remember. I have only been burned once. In the event you get a bad one, you will generally get your money back, but you are out the labor for swapping it yet again.

Good luck.

 

"fairly low mileage"

Could have also been stopped by a tree while moving @ 100 mph, with junk yard parts you spend your money & take your chances. Why not have yours rebuilt?

 

Rebuilding is definitely an option, but could cost you $1500 or more. Get multiple estimates if you are interested in this option.

A salvage yard transmission is often a more cost effective option for a vehicle that has limited value. Depends on the cost of the salvage yard tranny vs rebuild. Do your homework.

Depends on how deep your checkbook is. Salvage yard transmissions are a very economical plug and play solution for these vintage Jeeps.

 

Because I gave $2500 for it and don't feel like spending $1600 for a rebuild.

 

Good advice. It's always a bit of a gamble buying salvage yard transmissions. However, the AW4 is a pretty tough tranny so odds are already in your favor. Most yards will give you a limited warranty to ensure it's not DOA.

 

What condition is the rest of it in? You might be farther ahead to just keep it for parts and get something else.

 

It is in excellent shape. That is why I hate to just get rid of it.

 

I would get a used one at the local Pick N Pull.

My 89 aw4 has 477,000 miles on it and still going strong.

Last summer I lost a lower tranny cooler line and pumped all the fluid out on the 5 Fwy at 60 mph.

Coasted to the shoulder and idled for an hour with the a/c on until the tow truck pulled me off to the nearest shopping center parking lot.

I figured the old tranny was history, but I reclamped the hose and 6 qts. of dexron atf not a hint of trouble.

 

If you can pull the trans and put it back yourself a rebuild isn't that bad.Call some trans shops ask for a rebuild quote if you drop off the trans.The last one i had rebuilt was 500 bucks.

 

So is that supposed to be a bad thing?!

 

Personally I would buy a used one and take my chances because of the durability of the AW4's to begin with and the mileage most see out of them.

Around here they go for $100 private party (best way) on a part out to $200 or so at a JY either way not much to loose. If it were me I would look for a wrecked one or one with a blown motor for sale (by owner) and buy the whole thing for a parts XJ nice to have around.

JMHO

 

I ran my 91 by accident without a drop of fluid in it. (Well whatever was in the torque converter) I drove for about 40 mins. Had it up to 50mph a couple times. It sat for a few days then when I went to take it out again it slipped in reverse.

That's when I said let me make sure I out fluid in it. Bone dry. Filled it up. No issues since. That same 91 had almost no ATF in it when I first changed it.

OP get a used one.

 

I appreciate all of the replies guys. If it is that rare for the AW4 to go bad, do you think it would be worth a gamble draining the fluid and changing the filter? Otherwise, I am going with a used transmission. I found one at a junkyard near me with 97,000 miles for cheap from a 2000 XJ ($200).

 

You want to be riding in it when it stops?