Hello All, New to this forum but not to wrenching.

We had a Jeep XJ when I was growing up and have always wanted another. Now looking for one as a second vehicle/dd/mild off roader.

I have always driven a stick and have always been wary of auto transmissions, but it seems that the 5speeds in the XJ are few and far between and command a premium. Are they worth it? how is the longevity and durability of the auto transmission? How do they shift with a lift and larger tires?

Also found a wrangler (i know this is XJ forum) locally that has the 4 cylinder with a 5speed. How are the power on the 4bangers? I have not driven it but would think they would be under powered.

TIA

Craig

 

Welcome.

The automatics in XJs seem to be durable. The torque muliplication factor off-road is a plus.

Some people like a manual off-road so it will hold a particular gear better.

Autos are easier to live with in traffic.

4 cyl 5 spds aren't too bad, but drive it for about 30 min. or so to make sure you like it.

Like many things, it all boils down to personal expectations and taste.

 

I had no issues with the 4-cyl wrangler, it drove fine. The thing I didn't like was the short wheelbase on the highway, lol- but that isn't an engine issue.

The 5-speeds seem to be pretty durable. Unless it's the Peugot BA-10 (late '80's only) Avoid that.

 

I agree it is more about what you want out of it.

I'm new to jeeps but had been looking for a couple of weeks and was all set to pull the trigger on an auto, but then found a 4.0L / 5 speed near me so I figured it was a sign and grabbed it. Like you; I've driven sticks all my life so I prefer it even for DD duty.

I think if I planned to focus on heavy duty rock crawling I would have wanted an auto and then looked more into the manual style controls for it. But I mainly drive on the street and then when off road it is jeep trail stuff. The combo of the 5 speed and 4-low has worked great for me.

 

Auto equipped XJs have a 3.55:1 axle ratio while the manual trans has a 3.07:1 ratio with a 4.0.
My thoughts as a four wheeler since 1967: Why do I want to deal with 3 pedals when I only have 2 feet?

 

I had a original 1989 auto tranny in my XJ and it shifted like the day it was made and not once ever slipped. Also I dogged the living day lights out of it everywhere I went... Point proven

 

Normal, and all the more reason for going auto trans.

 

The Peep's turned 594000 km and rollin daily. Original engine, original AW4 auto trans.
PS if you go auto, add an auxilliary trans cooler, will cost you 40-60$ and pay for itself in long life trans.

 

My 90 has an ax15 and is still going at 431,000mi. Has had 3 clutches and 4 new clutch masters. To me the stick is worth it mated to the 4.0, but if you go for a gear change 1st can become a granny low (so I've been told) and the tranny wasn't built for that, but can take it. The autos' seem to have the durability of the 350 and 400 turbos' GM used to make so either is a good choice in this reporters' opinion.

 

The owners of the 5 speeds report better mpg. The auto is bulletproof.

 

Yes we do about 2 more to the gallon, sometimes 3 or 4.