N00b question: Is the 5speed worth it?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Model: Cherokee
N00b question: Is the 5speed worth it?
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
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
#2
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,734
Likes: 0
Received 9 Likes
on
9 Posts
Year: 2015, 2012
Model: Grand Cherokee (WK2)
Engine: 3.6L
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.
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.
#3
CF Veteran
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 5,302
Likes: 0
Received 19 Likes
on
16 Posts
Model: Cherokee
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.
The 5-speeds seem to be pretty durable. Unless it's the Peugot BA-10 (late '80's only) Avoid that.
#4
Newbie
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Round Rock, TX
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L HO
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.
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.
#5
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,863
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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?
My thoughts as a four wheeler since 1967: Why do I want to deal with 3 pedals when I only have 2 feet?
#6
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Summerville, South Carolina
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Year: 99
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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
#7
::CF Moderator::
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prescott, Az
Posts: 43,863
Received 1,524 Likes
on
1,236 Posts
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Trending Topics
#8
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 2,150
Likes: 0
Received 12 Likes
on
9 Posts
Year: 1989 Laredo
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 L 6 Renix
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.
PS if you go auto, add an auxilliary trans cooler, will cost you 40-60$ and pay for itself in long life trans.
#9
CF Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Bakersfield CA
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ra.stewart
Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here
9
02-15-2021 01:47 PM
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)