Should I reman my AW4 transmission?
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member




Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 349
Likes: 4
From: Lexington, KY
Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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.
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.
CF Veteran




Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,610
Likes: 446
From: Michigan
Year: 1987 MJ, 1973 J2000, 1986 XJ, 08 JK
Model: Comanche (MJ)
Engine: 4.0L H.O
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
I'd say keep it and tear into it, at worst you learn a little about something new
Senior Member




Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 971
Likes: 473
From: North East USA
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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.
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.
Senior Member




Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 634
Likes: 182
From: Northern California
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 w/ Banks header & K&N intake
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/
Seasoned Member

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 453
Likes: 165
From: Ortonville, mi
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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
CF Veteran




Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,840
Likes: 117
From: In the middle of Minnesota!
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
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Seasoned Member

Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 453
Likes: 165
From: Ortonville, mi
Year: 97
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
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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