Wrangler Trans Swap...

[JesterFab]

1996 ish Jeep Wrangler Automatic with 4.0L
Just a couple questions...
The transmission is acting up in a friends jeep, it will barely move while driving. I am guessing it is just slipping pretty bad, I havent drivin it.

1) When my torque converter went out, basically every gear was neutral. It would not move at all. Does a torque converter slowly go out, and cause slipping? Reason I ask is if he wants to put a rebuilt trans in, should I recommend a new torque converter as well?

2) I have looked under a jeep more then once, but any tips or secrets to pull the tranny? I have done trannys swaps in other vehicles, basically, undo driveline, unbolt from crossmember, unbolt transfer case, unbolt from motor and odds and end like hoses and wiring. Any special tools I am not aware of.

3) Shouldnt take more then a day, with a car lift and a couple guys, would 400 bucks be to much. I dont know him well, but still I think 400 is a deal. He was quoted 1900 to pull trans rebuild and reinstall from a shop down the street. He can get a rebuilt trans for 600, another 400 for install, and I dont think the rebuilt trans includes a torque converter so another 200 for TC and oil, etc.. Still saving some money. Any suggestions, or will it be straight forward... Thanks, I dont want to tear this thing a part and then realize I have to buy a couple tools. Rather not have surprises.

 

[zukkev]

You might run into a couple of the bolt at the top of the bell housing being an E-torx head (basically opposite of the normal torx)...but other than that, pretty straight forward...
Pointer-remove the crank sensor before loosening the trans from the motor, or you stand a good chance of breaking it...:awesomework:

 

[JesterFab]

Thanks Kevin. I think I have a grand cherokee chiltons manual, it probably covers the wagoneer now that I think about it. Thanks for the pointers

 

[zukkev]

Oh, and I'd like to see this 1996 wrangler...:redneck:
If it's on leaves, it's a 95 or older---if on coils, it's a 97 or newer...:;

 

[junkyard jim]

Just make sure you don't give a warranty on install. THAT is why shops charge so much! Just a couple tools you'll wish had a special bend in them. LOOOONG extension to reach the bell bolts. Don't know if they did away with the E12 bolts on the top by then or not?

 

[zukkev]

They move the E12's to the starter in 2000 I figured out the other day! (BTW, a good 3/8dr, 3/8" 6point socket will get 'em loose!

 

[zukkev]

Just make sure you don't give a warranty on install. THAT is why shops charge so much!

NO, it's not just the warranty...it's all the overhead of doing business in this field of work...warranty is but a small part of the equation...

 

[JesterFab]

Ya, I am just installing, warranty is on the trans provider. I dont know what year wrangler it is, that was the "ish" part of it, but i know what your saying.
I am sure companys charge more because of insurance, warranty, paying employees, etc. That is why he came and asked me. I am more then able to do a tranny swap, but dont need a problem either. If he will pay 400, that will be good for a days of work, tax free. Thanks guys, ill keep an eye out for those special bolt heads.

 

[ain'tstuckjustresting]

There is no way the rebuilder will warranty the tranny w/o installing a new/reman t/c.

Even if your swapping in a good used unit. If you think the tranny let go, all the fluid in the t/c is contaminated.

 

[pokey]

There is no way the rebuilder will warranty the tranny w/o installing a new/reman t/c.

Even if your swapping in a good used unit. If you think the tranny let go, all the fluid in the t/c is contaminated.

:awesomework: yep, Need to flush or replace the cooler and lines as well.

 

[Travis1]

There is no way the rebuilder will warranty the tranny w/o installing a new/reman t/c.

Even if your swapping in a good used unit. If you think the tranny let go, all the fluid in the t/c is contaminated.

Even if you don't think the tranny let go. Assume the T/C is bad or filled with bad stuff and replace it when you put a rebuild tranny in it.

 

[skinny_pedal]

Cooler flush. Comes in a can. Its good

 

[JesterFab]

Ya I will drain/ flush the cooler and make sure nothing is in it, and definately new TC. I dont want any problems. Ill probably do 500 for R&R. Make it worth my while. Thanks

 

[skinny_pedal]

Ya I will drain/ flush the cooler and make sure nothing is in it, and definately new TC. I dont want any problems. Ill probably do 500 for R&R. Make it worth my while. Thanks

Dam thats what a shop would charge. It only books at 5.2 hours.