So I've decided to swap out my AW4 with you folks suggestions and input. My question what are some of the things that I should look at when I'm buying another AW4? My XJ is a 98.
I realize that I can only use a 98-01 AW4 (from a direct bolt on with matching wiring harnesses perspective) does it matter if its a 242 or 231 tc?
I put in some extra shifts at work so I can get another one in the next few weeks. Just wanting some input on this...... Thanks in advanced.

http://www.daveysjeeps.com/specials.html

I've found a couple just haven't looked at them yet because I'm not exactly sure what to look for. Aside from checking the fluid condition is all I really know. Thanks for the link though.

Fluid condition, color, smell..
Presence of varnish or discoloration on the dipstick that would indicate overheating,
Any sort of grit in the fluid,
Any sort of solvent odor that might indicate Trans-X or a similar Hail Mary attempt to save it,
Unusually thick fluid Think Lucas no-Slip,
Brand sparkling new trans fluid. Another possible attempt to resurrect a dying trans.
Any sign of external leaks.
Any oil stains from blowing fluid out the vent or dipstick. (overheated)
If you can pull the pan have a good look around..do so
Get it from a jeep that was scrapped for obvious body/frame damage, not because it no longer ran. (especially if the engine is still good!)
...and make sure there's a warranty because you really can't tell the whole story from any of this.

I was planning on asking the guy if I could pull the pan..... Main thing I wanted to see was the magnets.
I've read that yoy can expect some material on them but if it looks like a small furry animal stay away. I'm personally not to worried about the miles on the clock. (Read somewhere on here this guy said he had over 400,000 miles on his and it's his second engine.) But obviously I want to get as low as I can get lol.
Thanks for the input everybody.

Ok guys I'm going to be looking at a transmission here in the next few days and I got to wondering what would be the best way to transport it? Its going to be a 65 mile ride back home btw.
Thanks for all you folks help on both my transmission threads....... Been a real lifesaver and plus saved me some money too.
I talked to the guy on the phone and he told me that he's got one with 145,000 miles on it. He also added that he threw out like 20 of them because they are practically bullet proof and hardly ever fail. Had to make room for parts that he could make money off of lol. Gotta love the AW4!

doesn't really make sense. they are worth cash in scrap let alone the fire sale he could have rather than throwing them out. 20 aw4's at $50 each would be gone quick

He said he wad going through a divorce..... Maybe that's why. Other than that idk why.

Set it on the pan, maybe with some wood underneath it and strapped down.

I was unsure if it was cool to place it on it pan or not. I was thinking of putting an old tire under it. But I was going to strap her down foe sure.

Sorry to bring this thread back......
I'm going Tuesday and picking up my new to me tranny. With a core charge of only $50 I decided to keep my old one.
What would be the best way to store it in case I need something from it? I'm certain that the torque converter and is good. Should I take the part off or leave it on? Is there really a reason to keep it around or is that a good idea? Thanks in advanced folks.

I'd maybe keep the solenoids, torque converter, etc and toss the rest unless you feel like trying your hand at rebuilding it. The economics don't work to have a shop rebuild them when they are cheap and plentiful used.

I wasn't really interested in rebuilding it cause of the reason you cited sir. The solenoids are a good point though. Anything else you folks can think of?
I'm considering actually making a coffe table out of it for my man cave.

Thanks for all you folks suggestions and advice. What I ended up finding was an AW4 out of a 2001 XJ with 145,000 miles on the clock.
As far as transporting it, my brother and I ended up driving 175 miles round trip in his Neon for the AW4...... With it in the back seat on the trip back. And yes it was as fun as it sounded too.
I recommend you folks check out Elk Valley Salvage if you are in the area. They are a bunch of good helpful folks. When my brothers Neon wouldn't start, they helped us trouble shoot, diagnose, and resolve the issue without charge.
Thanks for everything.