I have an 89 XJ AW4 w/ 101k miles(all stock and well maintained) and I'm looking into servicing the transmission. I would like to prevent any failures down the road.

Local Jeep service center cost $280 for Trans service and filter change. Seems pretty expensive. I'm current running 3" RC lift and 31"s. Any suggestions on how I could help keep my transmission healthy for the long haul?

Thanks!

 

Install auxiliary trans cooler and look into regearing the axles

Do a series of drain/fill with dexron Mercon 3 fluid

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Think i'll probably go that route. I'm looking to keep my engine cool this hunting season, because last year going ton 4x4 kept raising my engine temp.

 

Trust me here. Leave the AW-4 alone. The short story is fine here, the "filter" is only a screen. They have a drain-plug, (unlike lots of inferior transmissions). Somebody can fill in here but less than 1/2 will drain, around 3-1/2 quarts. If it might be over two years old, if you see some sigh like the fluid on the dipstick not looking pretty nice, you just that change interval closer to your oil changes till it does look nice.

The DexIII/Mircone is correct for the AW-4. (and the transfer case). DexIII/equivalent is the right stuff.

There is no risk to your AW-4 if you just let the detergent in fresher fluid do it's thing. Power flushing is a known bad idea. A whole change via just pumping is reported to not clog anything with particles loosened. I myself don't have a reason to test that...........