Shifting gears (no pun intended) and abandoning the auto to 5 spd conversion on my 2001 XJ 5 year project.
I really want to get this thing together, on the road and running drama free. The 5spd swap just had to many unanswered issues dealing with flywheels, wiring, ECUs, etc.

So staying with the auto on this one.
This is a full "restoration/rebuild" of this XJ, new engine, axles, etc, etc.
The auto that came out appears to be original with ~200K on it,
Options are drop it off to a local shop and have them rebuild,
Order a re-manufactured (if they exist).
Find a low miles used,, not likely.
Order a kit and rebuild it myself (I have built engines and axles, never an auto tranny)

10 years ago a low miles used would have been an option,, not now, 20 years later.

Any words of wisdom??

Anyone

 

Is there any thing wrong with it now? If not change the fluid, add a bigger transmission cooler and run it, the AW4 will last a long time if taken care of. Mine has nearly 250K on it and still works like new.

 

It has 200K on it, I picked up the XJ with a blown engine. This XJ never had a day of maintenance from what I see taking it apart.
Just not putting a 200K questionable trans in the "resto/rebuild project. When I have this build complete, I am DONE working on it.

 

I agree that keeping this one is an option if it still works okay. But if you are set on freshening up, most transmission shops would be happy to rebuild your AW4. Be sure to research/vet them with recommendations from folks you know hopefully, get 2 or 3 estimates and ask them point blank to tell you EXACTLY what they mean by a rebuild. It can really depend on what is replaced by the shop doing the work. Not all rebuilds are the same.

I have done a lot of automotive work in the past 46 years but honestly rebuilding an automatic transmission is one thing I have always deferred to the experts, especially because I have a buddy in the business. I have seen just how many parts there are in a tear down of an automatic transmission. It's a lot. If it's not done right, you'll be going back in again. You said you want low drama so keep that in mind!

Whatever you choose, be sure to use Dex/Merc compatible fluid, not ATF+4. A "search" of this and any XJ forum will yield lots of reading on why this is important. Dex/Merc is the spec'd fluid by Asin Warner and for good reason. Use it and if you rebuild yours, make sure its Dex/Merc that gets put in from day ONE.

Good luck and keep us updated

 

I know many people have had issues out of the AW4 after it has been rebuilt, I would look for a good used one.

 

I'd inspect the fluid in the trans. If good, use it. They're not a Ford, GM or Chrysler crappo trans.

 

So, Update.
I found a 99 AW4 at the local mom-pop dismantling yard,, listed as from a 98K miles XJ. Got it for 250.00
Thing was pulled years ago and sitting on their shed/shack/warehouse rack shelving,

I would like to "go through it" without getting to deep into it.
Besides pulling the pan, filter?
Should I pull the pump and check anything out ? Seals?

Valvoline DEX/MERC fluid?

 

I wouldn't even bother dropping the pan. The "filter" is just a mesh screen that doesn't need replaced or even cleaned unless you're already in there. Make sure it's really a 98+ by looking for the input speed sensor on the drivers side up near the bell housing.

 

do the front seal

guess how i found out

 

I did pull the pan on the "98K mile" AW4 i bought from a local wrecking yard,,
They did say they pulled the pan to inspect prior to selling. When I pulled the pan I got about a 1/2 cup of trans fluid,,, it was brown not red.
Is there any way in heck this was realy a 98K mile trans?? I have not installed yet.

My new filer came with a rubber gasket,, use it or just RTV ?

 

It's possible.
Only two ways to find out IMHO. Have an experienced rebuilder tear it down and check it out or install it and see what it runs like.

 

That B!tch is going in ,, If I am paying someone to completely disassemble,, I am having them rebuild it

 

Use the gasket, DO NOT use any RTV on the transmission.