Adding A Vent Tube to an Automatic Trans (5.9L ZJ in This Case)
 

For those who don't recall, I sank my ZJ in the NJ Pine Barrens several weeks ago:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/O...CM_7378-XL.jpg

After running 6 gallons, 2 quarts worth of Mopar and crappy brand ATF, the trans finally gave in. R, N, D, 2, 1 all became Neutral. Fail! So, I had to source a new trans. My buddy was heading up to Connecticut on Friday to pick up parts from his 5.9L ZJ from a 5.9L that had sustained a rear end collision. Mileage is the same as mine. I e-mailed the guy and worked out a deal for his trans. He said it worked great. My buddy picked it up, and I had it on Friday night.

Yesterday (Saturday) I got the Jeep towed to my other buddy's shop:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...6w8PzHr-XL.jpg

At 4:30pm, the transmission swap fun began:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/A...IMAG0219-L.jpg

Removal of driveshafts was first, then the crossmember, and out came the t-case:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/A...IMAG0220-L.jpg

After some bellhousing bolts, removal of electrical connections, hard lines, vent tubes, etc., out came the trans:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...NcM79qb-XL.jpg

http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...8p5vTnm-XL.jpg

http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...f4fb5hg-XL.jpg

Both of the transmissions side by side. My failed trans is the non-rusted, cleaner looking one. Oh well:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...g6q8rTL-XL.jpg

On to the important stuff to make sure the trans isn't swamped again. Test fitting tube:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...sHLj9qF-XL.jpg

A little bit of grinding work:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...LcVrxHD-XL.jpg

Drilling:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...tm64g63-XL.jpg

http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...fdPGFs8-XL.jpg

Tube looks to fit great:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...PzhKN3B-XL.jpg

http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...DgVWjgp-XL.jpg

Some sealing:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...nm8czdg-XL.jpg

http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...p2TWjkz-XL.jpg

Everything back in, torqued down:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...jXzfbgb-XL.jpg

By the time 11:15pm rolled around we just finished up the new vent tubes - t-case vent extended & new vent tube for the trans - both up in the engine compartment now:
http://pafirefighter11.smugmug.com/p...H7Nzvzx-XL.jpg

Everything seems great at this point. Trans shifts a bit stronger and a bit higher. Feel like a trans shift kit or something possibly? Either way, works great! Can't wait to get this thing back on the trails. 3" lift and 31" Mickey Thompson's may be in the near future.