duffman5001

Hello everyone! My grandpa has an 88 jeep cherokee, 5 speed with a 4.0.. I know I could get a screamin deal on it. Is this a good choice for building an off road rig? What should I consider and whatnot?

duffman5001

Like is this transmission solid? Is a newer 4.0 more reliable? I would plan on doing a 4.5" lift, 33x12.50 tires...

88grayxj

well i have an 88 auto i lovemine it works great for everything i want to do. i'm not sure about the manual transmission though. sometimes wish i had one though it does seems to help if your in a tight spot and need to push clutch in to roll a little rather than switching from d-r then r-d.

CheapCherokee

i think that year came with the Peugeot 5 speed, which wasnt a good tranny. you might want to consider a 91+ because they had a High Output motor (more hp) and an open cooling system as opposed to the closed system on the pre-91 models. cherokee's are a great choice for an off road rig and have much potential in them. as far as reliability, if you maintain that 4.0 it will last a very long time with little issues.

Timber Wolf

I had an 89' Pioneer with a 5 speed and the 4.0. I miss her!

91 limited owner

"I know I could get a screamin deal on it." I think that pretty much answers, your main question!

Willys55

Welcome to CF

Jeeps build experience, knowledge and resourcefulness....as well as empty pockets..........Just go for it!

PowerJoker6.0

im in the same boat as you man trying to decide if i should get an 87 pioneer 4.0 5 speed with high miles for cheap cheap or if i should spend a little money and get a newer one

duffman5001

Ok so now guys i need some serious help. My grandpa who has the 88 jeep just told me that he wants to GIVE it to me as a gift.. he is so awesome! so now I am goin to have it for sure. I plan on turning it into a trail ready jeep. so what are my options? will a newer 5 speed bolt right in? options...... ??

lukc22

im gonna raise mine 3 inches and put 31 muds on it... keeping it a little mild so I can drive it to the mudholes... dont want a trailer rig

jhosgood

If its your first stick truck plan to replace a clutch or two. Swamp it once or twice and plan on replacing it once more lol. I would stick with the stock tranny for now get your lift and tires.. you might want to consider gears with 33x12.50s

duffman5001

yeah.. this isn't my first manual.. I am very used to them but from what i have heard this peugot transmission is garbage. So should I look for a newer ax15 right off the bat? is it a direct bolt on? or how hard is it to convert it to an auto?

duffman5001

there is a transmission locally for sale from a 94- the ax15.. would this bolt right in?

96tudor

Even if you have money burning a hole in your pocket, I wouldn't replace the transmission until you have a failure. I think the money is better spent on a lift, tires, and armor. Being new to this offroading, I'm amazed at how expensive a lift can be when, subsequently, you also have to replace other suspension, steering, and driveline components. Then you buy huge tires that rub so you have to buy new wheels. And skid plates and rock rails to protect the rocker panels aren't cheap either.

I have a Dana 35 rear axle because I have ABS. My understanding is that every piece in it is made from Play Dough, and it uses c-clips to hold the axles shafts in. The axle only has 226,000+ miles on it, and I'm not planning on replacing it until it breaks (although I might should consider carrying spare axle shafts, et al. on the trail).

I guess that I'm saying that if I were building an offroad machine, I wouldn't start with the transmission if it worked. However, I understand and respect that another transmission may be your priority.

duffman5001

Thanks for all the input.. I took it for the first drive today and the transmission won't get into third gear and grinds into the other ones... so it could be a bad clutch but rather then spending the money on tbhat I want to just get a new tranny.. is an ax15 a direct bolt on?