98 Jeep Cherokee XJ 4.0 4WD w/ "police package"

Bought this Jeep about 3 months ago. It has about 160k miles. It had one owner before me, a University police force. I'm sure the school had it's own mechanic and they left me no service paperwork. They certainly didn't mention anything about service on the transmission.

So anyways, I was thinking about my transmission today. I know I need to replace the fluid (it could look/smell worse but it could be a lot better too) and I was considering replacing the filter (probably won't do that though). So I crawled under there to get a look at the ID badge on the tranny and I found this:




It says: Aisin AW Co., Ltd. Model No. 30-43LE 52104210AB and the serial number.

Further research has showed this to be problematic. A frequently-cited source (http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/aw4) says "The AW4 may be identified as a model #30-43LE for 2wd versions and as a model #40-30LE for 4wd versions." Additionally, I could not find the OE part # 52104210AB being associated with this vehicle, but I did find 52104210AC.

So it appears to me that I am using a tranny made for a 2WD vehicle in a Jeep with 4WD capability. Am I misunderstanding something? Is it possible this tranny is original to this vehicle or was it definitely replaced? Is this tranny a problem for me? If I run my Jeep in 4WD, am I going to overheat the tranny fluid?

Someone please shed some light on this for me.
Thanks!

J

Edit: Just to give more information, the transfer case says New Process Gear Model 242 J

 

First off, you don't need to change the filter...it's just a screen. Do a fluid change, by draining out what's in the pan, refilling to nominal level, drive for a bit, do it again, until the fluid looks good. Do not power flush it. Use Dex/MercIII only.

Also the source you cited is a company that makes adaptors for different applications...none of which are stock. It also says "may be identified" not IS identified...

That page also stated the AW4 was "less than stellar"...but you need to understand the context there. The AW4 is probably one of the best transmissions ever made...but not for the conversions that Novak does. They are in the business of providing alternatives to the modification crowd, not the average user.

You're overthinking it IMHO.

Do a fluid change, and call it good.

 

A lot of trans are made 2wd and 4x4 versions the only things different are the output shaft and the tail housing piece on the trans.Does the jeep have a floor shifter or is it on the steering column?

 

Shifter is on the floor.

 

A police package has a column shifter because they have to mount all the radio stuff on the floor between the front seats.

 

210AB is the part number revision level for the 1998/1999 4WD AW4.


210AC is the part number revision level for the 2000/2001 4WD AW4.


You have the correct revision level for your 1998 AW4.

 

Not mine. The police packages are not all the same. I think it has more to do with how much they wanted to spend initially. My build sheet confirms it has the "police package." It has an extended idle switch and as far as I know it's the only different thing for me. I'm sure it would be a snap to hook up a light bar as well.

Thanks for the wisdom folks. I will get on changing the fluid now.