Don't scape it before you know for sure. I could be completely wrong but I feel with the lines under pressure maybe coolant isn't getting into the transmission line just leaking out. Is the transmission low on oil and maybe I missed it but how does the coolant look under the cap? Can you take a pic of where it's leaking?

 

please describe the condition of your trans fluid

contamination with water will be obvious as it will be whitish and creamy

If in any doubt post a picture of the fluid

if it is trashed, your options are to completely flush the trans and see if it works, or install a junkyard replacement..or have yours rebuilt

 

The trans cooler isn't under much pressure. If it split, the fluids will mix both ways.

 

Don't scrap a rust free Cherokee because you toasted the transmission. Sell it to someone who will get it right.

 

 

So took the pan lug off to drain it.

There was probably half a litre of fluid that came out (2-3 cups), no more. Very brown.

the pipe coming from the pan looked covered in oil, like it was leaking on it or from it. Also ignore the lumpy stuff in the bucket, it was a dirty bucket.

 

Doesn't look contaminated. Just needs changed out. You should have gotten ~3.8qts of fluid. Wasn't anything blocking the drain hole?

The dipstick looks like it's got motor oil on it? Could be a valve cover gasket leaking at the back.

 

yeah a lot of the oil streamed out of the radiator pressure release valve. Guessing anyway.

 

Could be you dodged the bullet by not getting coolant in the trans. Trans problem could be just a matter of being low on fluid. These are TOUGH transmissions so there is a good chance it's fine.
You say your willing to replace the radiator? Here's a link to one below. Also goggle "Auto Zone Discount Codes" and get it for less.
https://www.autozone.com/cooling-hea...193/517553_0_0

 

yeah she doesn’t move a foot now. So hoping all the oil has drained out and that means she won’t drive.

But it not sure if no oil means no drive.

 

low or no oil definitely means no drive...thats the starting point..refill it with the correct amount and type of trans fluid

next step, why was it low ?

have you ever checked it before?...or has it leaked out...somehow..to be determined

trans dont like running low on fluid, it gets too hot, and may have cooked the plates & clutches

 

Don't take it to the scrap yard. Change out the radiator and flush the cooling system completely, several times with distilled water, then fill with coolant and distilled water to get a 50/50 mix. Also replace the thermostat while you are there. Then refill the trans with the correct fluid DexIII / Merc. Then you can see where you are at. Hopefully you may have dogged a bullet, but in the worst case, you may just have to have the trans rebuilt. It can be a little expensive, but a well running XJ will last you a real long time.

 

Soooooooo

i think I’ve now threaded the transmission oil pan. When putting the draining lug back on she must have gone on at an angle. Now she doesn’t tighten up, just spins.

Are they aluminum as i didn’t put any pressure on it when tighting it up?

 

It could have been messed up before you got it. It may not be a bad idea to drop the pan and put a replacement pan up there. It is a bit of work, but considering how much work trying to re-thread the pan would be, it is sort of a toss-up.

Also, you could see a lot more of the internal parts while the pan is down.