Well if you're just draining it then you are actually only changing 25% of the fluid or something to that extent, so you would probably be fine draining it, just don't flush it.

Hmm. I just read the bottom of that article and i hope that isn't true, i mean why leave it alone to only make it worse?

544000 km on the Peep with the original AW4. Trans filter and fluid change 2X by myself, 1X by original owner. Still shifts great. Change the fluid and filter! Don't believe the stories. The dip tube bracket bolt is a long reach up and can be awkward to get the wrench on. If you are sold on maintaining your trans and doing regular fluid/filter service, you can cut the dip tube lower down where access is easier with a roller pipe cutter and slip an excellent quality hose and clamps on to simplify the pan removal on future services. Bottom line is do the service and don't get sidetracked by the story tellers.

Yea you got a point there, I would like to keep it clean and make it last. Just when you read stories like that it makes you want to just let it go. I honestly don't think mine was ever done and it has almost 160,000 miles on it so I'm throwing some nice clean fluid to help her out :}

if you can lift the Jeep high enough, just unbolt the clip from the bell housing and lower the pan with the entire dipstick tube. if you can't lift the Jeep, you have to separate the tube (it IS in two pieces). But............you better get a replacement O-ring and good luck! I fought mine for over an hour. A little silicone spray, a large (fat) drum stick (for playing drums not from a turkey!), a pair of vise grips, and a hammer.

remove retaining bolt.
lay the hood back onto the windshield with proper cushioning
insert drumstick into tube
clamp vice grip over tube below where the dipstick cap sets
lube the "joint" on the tube
kneel on valve cover and pass. quarter panel
tap UP on the vise grip with the hammer, pull, and remove top half of tube.

the pan and lower half of tube will come out from under the Jeep. you will spill some trans fluid.

Good luck.