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Should I reman my AW4 transmission?

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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 08:43 AM
  #1  
bradleyheathhays's Avatar
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From: Lexington, KY
Year: 1996
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Engine: 4.0
Default Should I reman my AW4 transmission?

Two questions...

One... 96 XJ here and my Aisin Warner AW4 4 speed auto transmission just failed due to a leaking trans oil cooler line, and I'm having to replace it with a used one via my trusty mechanic. It's failure has been verified and there's no chance to save it.

My question is...having never rebuilt a transmission before but with plenty of mechanical skills, should I keep my old transmission and get the parts to rebuild it? Is it too complicated to figure out? Looks like there's a few youtube videos on it. I'm guessing it'd be too far above my skill level. I'd be rebuilding it to sell to try to recoup some of this transmission swap cost ($2200).

And two...the transmission my mechanic found is supposed to only have 119k miles on it, but who knows if that's accurate. Before it gets installed, are there any parts on this used transmission I should ask my mechanic to replace? I'm not looking for a full reman on anything, but if there's an easy part to get to that's prone to failure (in the case of overheating or if I have another fluid leak), I might as well replace it before it gets put in.

Thanks ahead.

Last edited by bradleyheathhays; Nov 19, 2024 at 08:47 AM.
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 02:14 PM
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BruceB's Avatar
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Click here for a great manual on the AW4 from the ATSG....complete info on rebuilding.
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 04:29 PM
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That Jeep Guy XJMJ's Avatar
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I'm disgusted at the cost to replace it. 2200 holy smokes. Especially for a trans that most folks can't give away.

I'd say keep it and tear into it, at worst you learn a little about something new
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 04:41 PM
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I would agree with the idea of rebuilding the one you have and keeping it.
I have my doubts about your plan to rebuild the one you have for resale... imagine this conversation:

- so, this transmission is "remanufactured"
-yep
-by who?
-me

-have you done a lot of these?
- no, this is the first but I looked at a YouTube video

-oh......

Could be a hard sell.

​​​​​




Last edited by exasemech; Nov 19, 2024 at 04:43 PM.
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 07:06 PM
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Very Red XJ's Avatar
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Default you might want to avoid this again

Rebuilt from a good transmission shop (hard to find) or one of the factory rebuilt ones; you might want to avoid this again : https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tra...d-help-264320/
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Old Nov 20, 2024 | 08:09 AM
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50+ yrs a wrenchman. An old 3 speed auto? No problem. 4 speeds adds double the parts. I would do it myself, but I have a spare ( no downtime, swap is a couple hours). If I were you I would buy a used transmission and do the swap myself.Now you have a core you can take apart and decide if you can do the rebuild. That's my take. Good luck! Ric
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Old Nov 20, 2024 | 11:23 AM
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Originally Posted by bradleyheathhays
Looks like there's a few youtube videos on it. I'm guessing it'd be too far above my skill level.
I think you answered your own question here.......
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Old Nov 20, 2024 | 12:12 PM
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Transwork definitely takes mechanical skills and the ability and tools to do accurate measurements and a commitment to cleanliness in all the assembly area. There are multiple clutch packs in the AW4.Anyone of those can catch you in an error. Tread carefully bud
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