Looking to rebuild my engine and transmission

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Jun 27, 2024 | 10:13 AM
  #1  
Hello all!

First thank you for taking the time to read this!

I am looking at rebuilding my transmission primarily, possibly the engine. Currently running with 226k (I assume on both engine and transmission) as the previous owner who owned it for a year never did that work, and was unaware if the owner before him ever had it done. So part of me is considering getting ahead of any potential issues rather than waiting for either to go. I am fairly new to all this and my mechanic skills don't go beyond replacing my brakes, rotors, and oil lol, however I am trying to learn more.

Engine:
Does anyone have any suggestions on where to find a rebuild kit?

Transmission:
rockauto

Again thank you for your time!

-Mike
Reply 0
Jun 27, 2024 | 11:13 AM
  #2  
If it ain't broke don't mess with it.... particularly the transmission given your current level of experience.
As far as the engine is concerned if the oil pressure is ok and the compression is ok give it another 75,000 miles and check again.
Reply 2
Jun 27, 2024 | 06:34 PM
  #3  
Ditto. The AW4 automatic transmission is pretty robust, and I would only rebuild it if you had mechanical problems with it. 99% of any issues you'll ever have with that Toyota built transmission are electrical and easy to fix without pulling the transmission. There are plenty of folks here with 400k miles on them. If you want something easy to rebuild, the transfer case is pretty easy.
Reply 2
Jun 27, 2024 | 11:35 PM
  #4  
I would not even consider touching the engine or trans unless I had to. The most common time for these items to fail is...just after a rebuild !

If its a "new to you XJ", hows your suspension ?
Reply 1
Jun 28, 2024 | 05:28 AM
  #5  
To perhaps be more useful than my earlier post ..

If this xj is new to you, or even if it isn't, if it's running ok now the best things you can do to keep it going are:

1) engine... don't let it overheat. Flush the cooling system, maintain the cooling system, make sure the fan shroud is there, make sure the fan clutch works etc.

2) transmission ; maintain the cooling system as above ( the trans cooler is in the radiator) , do a few drain and fills( no need to drop the pan) with the correct dex/merc fluid , make sure kickdown cable is adjusted correctly

If you maintain these vehicles and don't abuse them they will rust long before the power train dies
Reply 1
Jun 28, 2024 | 09:53 AM
  #6  
If you want to be proactive though, visit https://www.cruiser54.com and start going through the tech tips. In particular refreshing and cleaning up the wiring ground points. His tips are geared towards the Renix years (86-90) so few things won't apply to a 1992, but there is still a wealth of information for the later models. You'll also find links to tech manuals that will be invaluable for a Cherokee owner.
Reply 2
Jun 30, 2024 | 01:26 PM
  #7  
First thing I can recommend is to take the experts advice here on this forum and listen to them, I did for years and have learned a bunch.
I do not consider myself to anywhere near as knowledgable as most folks here but like said before, if your oil pressure is fine and compression across all cylinders is good or at least all close to same compression and it's running good don't touch it.
Maybe when the time comes consider doing an in frame rebuild yourself. I did this using a engintech kit, saved me bunch of money and I learned a ton along the way.
Reply 1
Jul 6, 2024 | 11:11 AM
  #8  
Quote: I would not even consider touching the engine or trans unless I had to. The most common time for these items to fail is...just after a rebuild !

If its a "new to you XJ", hows your suspension ?
OK thank you! I am currently running with a 5.5" Rough Country lift, from what my mech has told me its still in great shape. I believe the lift kit is only a year maybe 2 years old. Previous owner told me it was put on a little before he bought it so I assume between 1 to 2 years on the lift kit and suspension work because of that. Again just relaying what the mech said, "for a 92, it is in fantastic shape"
Reply 0
Jul 6, 2024 | 12:16 PM
  #9  
My first 92 went to the junkyard with 345K on the perfectly working AW4 and my 01 has 325K on a perfectly working AW4. Ive built several strokers but never did anything to the tranny except change fluid every 100k or so. Play with the motors if you want but wouldn't mess with the tranny except if broken
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