Recently bought 96 zj with bad transmission. Over the weekend I swapped the bad for the good but can't seem to get room or right angle to install the trans dipstick tube. Would pulling out the exhaust help or hurt in this situation? Or would I be wasting my time?

 

If it's like a GM THM dipstick, there's a rubber grommet where it goes into the case. Install the grommet first, then lube up the tube with Vasoline and it should slip right in. The hole in the case is sharp and will cut the grommet if you put it in on the tube or not want to go in at all.

 

The engine and tranny are already bolted together, the problem is the clearance between the firewall and rear of engine. Then where it mounts to the bell housing the tube is hitting the exhaust right where it needs to go.

 

I don't know if you still have the old tranny or traded it in on the new one but can you tell if there is a difference in the hole location for the dipstick tube between the two? If there is no difference then loosening the exhaust enough to move it out of the way might get you the clearance you need to get the tube installed, then retighten the exhaust. If that doesn't work you might mark the tube where it hits the exhaust and flatten that section of it some to get extra clearance.

 

That's kinda where my thoughts are, I'll just have to try it and see this weekend. Thanks for the help. Still open to more solutions vs dropping the trans back out and trying to install the trans with the dipstick tube in it and risk damaging in during the process

 

McGuyver it in there. lol.

 

93 trans installed
96 transmission I took out
ok found out the transmission I put in is out of a 1993 zj. The transmission solenoid sensors are not the same. Are these interchangeable? Is there an adapter for the harness receptor that I may purchase aftermarket? Or am I on the market for another transmission

 

Life will be better if the correct transmission is used. The '94 has the 46RH with a solenoid for the lockup and the other solenoid for the overdrive.

The '96 has the RE transmission with lots more electronic control.

It might be possible for a transmission engineer to figure out how to fake out the transmission and fake out the vehicle ECU, but that it an unlikely scenario.

Get the correct transmission, or rebuild the failed transmisoin.

Don't neglect to fully flush the external lines and coolers. Don't neglect to replace the torque converter.

 

Yes, the RH trans is hydraulically shifted except for O/D. The RE shifts hydraulically 1-2 and the 2-3 and 3-4 is done by the TCM reading engine rpm, vehicle speed, throttle setting, and manifold vacuum. Just a little more complicated!

 

@#!$

 

The way that I got the trans dipstick tube in was by putting it into place without inserting it all the way into the transmission housing. I didn't install the bolt and nut until the trans was lifted into place. But I had to make sure that the tube was sitting in the opening on the trans, then I had work with it as I raised the trans into place making sure that the cradle/hook at the top of the tube went under that hose/into place. It is easier with an assistant. I payed $1900.00 for a remanufactured trans from Ceritfied Trans, now I need a NP 249 J transfer case. And yeah you need get the correct trans unit for it to work.