2000XJ. The entire driveline has been rebuilt with exception of the AW4. TC bolts are tight. Using Amsoil Signature Series Multi-Vehicle synthetic fluid. Trans temps are below 180F during normal driving. Can get up to 200F if TC unlocked going up a long hill on the road in summer. TC functions perfectly, upshifts are fine, downshifts from 4->3 are fine. However downshifts from 2->1 and possibly 3->2 seem overly strong. It is very audible, and the shift can be felt. Feels pretty much the same as what would happen with rapid clutch release with a manual transmission. May be stronger when the trans fluid is cooler.

Trans fluid or something else?

 

That's classic AW4 behavior, especially with fresh fluid. The synthetic Amsoil is making the clutch packs grab more aggressively. The 2-1 downshift is always the harshest because of the large gear ratio change.

It's likely not a problem, just a characteristic. If it bothers you, try dropping the fluid level just a *tiny* bit, like a quarter quart. This can sometimes soften the engagement. Otherwise, it's just the trans working as designed.

 

Thanks. Its definitely a better situation than a slipping clutch pack, but would be great to soften up the bite a little bit. I'll probably do a fluid swap to the Valvoline Maxlife synthetic ATF to see if that improves things.

 

Why not just use Dexron III/Mercon?

 

I prefer synthetic is possible. I'll try the Maxlife Synthetic first, and if that does nothing, I'll try Dex III/Merc.