Jeep Modifications and Upgrades
Replacing the Jeep Xj Cherokee’s Transmission: A Step-By-Step Guide
Table of Contents
Zrozumiałe, że Jeep XJ Cherokee 's Powertrain
4. Jeep XJ Cherokee, produced from 1984 thrigh 2001, require on of thee most reliable and capable off- road SUVs ever built. Its unibody construction, solid axles, andd legendary 4.0L inline- six engine havee arned it a cult followng. However, evne the hardest XJ will eventually need a transmissivon revement. Whether you have Aisin- Warner AW.4 four- speed automatic (fourved 198771- 2001 models) or.
AX.-15 / AX.-5-5-ed manul, wear ol, wear or clutches, bandev, bandev (fov).
A faulty transmissionon can exhibit such as delayed engagement, harsh shifting, slipping between gears, fluid clears, or complete loss of drive. Before commissiting to a full replacement, confirm the diagnosis. Check the fluid level andd condition first - burnt smell odr dark, gritty fluid indicates indicates internal damage or shift. A pressure teste and scan for trouble codes coden rule out simpler issee like a faulty throttle position sensor shift solenoid. Ovécémed ythe transmissions oon beyonyonyond, thyonyonyond, the needice, the nephapha@@
Tools, Materials, and Safety Repredations
Przyrządy
- 3 / 8- inch and 1 / 2- inch drive socket sets (metric and SAE; the XJ uses both)
- Combination wrench set (10mm through gh 19mm)
- Transmission look jack or a high- lift jack with a transmission adapter plate
- Torque wrench capable of 30- 120 ft- lbs
- Fluid catch pan (minimum 5-kwart)
- Pry bar or long śrubokręt
- Breaker bar wigh a 18mm or 19mm socket for flywheel / flexplate bolts
- Stopień jacka (4-ton rated, two pairs recommended)
- Safety goggles, mechanic gloves, anda fire gasisher rated for Class B / C
Materials Needed
- Replacement transmission (recondured AW- 4 or rebuilt AX- 15)
- New transmission fluid: dem1; dem1; FLT: 0 exi3; dem3; Dexron III / III / Mercon dem1; demdis1; FLT: 1 eximo3; demdis3; fur AW- 4 (około 8- 9 kwarców for a dry fill); 10W- 30 engine oil or Synchromesh for AX- 15 manual
- Wysokotemperaturowy maker gazowy (Permatex Ultra Grey or similar)
- New transmission filter kit (for automatic models)
- Nowość łącznik transmissionowy (gumowy insulat)
- New flexplate- to- torque- converter bolts if original are korodded
- Threadlocker (medium delicth, blue)
- Brake cleaner, shop rags, andintrarating oil (like PB Blaster or Kroil)
Safety andd Brittle Preparation
Park the the negative batterie terminal and secre it away frem thee poste. Raise the front of thee vehicle with a look jack, then place jack stands undeir the frame rails - never undeid the axle tubes or loodr pan. Thee transmissionon crosber is tucked thee oil pan and requidance cleance, saim for aid 24 inches of groune clearnear.
Diagnozyng Transmissionon Briture Before Replacement
Before you pull the trigger on a $1,200- 1,600 recompatired unit, take a few extra diagnostic steps. The AW- 4 is known for being overbuilt, and man contribution quote; faifed quent; transmissions are actually suffering from a bad throttle position sensor (TPS) or a vacuum leak on thee transmissivoon line (if equipped). Check for troubles codes with an OBD- I-scanner.
For thee AX- 15 manual, a grinding noise or difficienty shifting often points to worn synchizers, a bent shift fork, or a failing pilot bearing. The AX- 5 (found in early 4 -cylinder XJs) is weaker and prone te input shaft bearing failure. In either case, a rebuild may bepossible, but for most Diers, a rebuilred unit from a reputable sumlier like Jasper or a specized Jeep rebuilder ithe bett ter path.
Removing the Old Transmissionan: Step- by- Step
Krok 1: Przeciągnij ten Fluid
With the vehicle on jack stands, position the e catch pan under the transmissionon pan. For the automatic, remove the drain plug if equipped (AW- 4 s from later years have one) or loosen the pan bolts on one side and allow the fluid to drain. Drop the pan completely to drain thee meling fluid. For the manual transmissivoon, there no drain plug - you will have tte siphon or soak up the fluid with attent material. Disef all fluids accoring tlocatel.
Step 2: Remove the Driveshafts
Te XJ wykorzystuje a rear driveshaft andd a front shaft (for 4WD models). Mark the orientation of each driveshaft te te differential andd transfer case flanges before removal. Usie an impact wrench or breaker bar to removeve thee four bolts on each flange. On the rear shaft, slide the slip yokie of the transfer case. On the front, thee shaft may need two unbolt athe CV joint and slid out.
Step 3: Diconnect the Transferr Case (if equipped)
Jeśli your XJ is a 4WD model, thee transfer case must besetat frem the transmissionon before removal. The NP231 or NP242 transfer case bolts to thee back of the transmissionon wich six bolts. Support the transfer case witch a jack or helper, then remove the bolts. Slidte the transfer case prostt back and set aside on a clean surface. Be prepared for fluid loss - have a pan underneath.
Step 4: Removie the Transmissionon Crossmber
Miejsce a jack under thee transmissionon pan or thee main case (use a block of wood too dismo load). Raise the jack slightly to take thet attact ofte thee mount. Remove the two bolts securing thee transmissionon mount to thee crossmember, then remove thee four bolts that attach the crossmember te frame rams. Lower the transmissionon slightly te thee rear engine bolts if neoded.
Step 5: Diconnect Linkages, Electrical Connectors, andCooler Lines
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Shift linkage: XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; FLT: FR the AW- 4, unclip the cable from the transmissionon shift lever. For the AX- 15, unbolt the shift lever frem the top of the transmissionon or remove the shift tower.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Neutral safety switch / backup light switch: Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Xi3; Diconnect the electrical connector near the shift shaft.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Torque converter clutch solenoid and pulsie generator: Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; On the AW- 4, two connectors are located on the passenger side of the case.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Cooler lines (AW- 4 only): XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; Usie a line wrench to diconnect the two steel lines at the transmissionon. Expect fluid spillage - cap the lines remotately with rubber vacuum caps to prevent debris ingress.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Speedometer cable: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; On early model XJs, the cable scrubs into the tail housing. Removie the retaing clip andd pull it free.
Step 6: Unbolt the Torque Converter frem the Flexplate (Automatic Only)
Rotate the enginee using a socket on thee crankshaft bolt to accords all thre torque converter bolts. Usie a long extension to reach traigh the inspection cover at thee bottom of the bellhousing. Removie the bolts witch an impact wrench or breaker bar. Push the torque converter back intro the transmissivoon housing - it should seat with a invegeable click. If you skip thim step, thee converter will stay attached thete flexplate removal impossible.
Step 7: Removie the Bellhousing Bolts
There are typically six bolts for thee bellhousing (plus two lower bolts that also hold thee inspection cover). For thee manual, thee bellhousing is separate andd has 10- 12 bolts. Use a telcopsing magnet or explicble ble socket to reach thee top two bolts. Support the transmissionate if is istuck - dnot use the removeve all bolts. Expliy pry the transmissionison ay them the engine if it is istuck - dot use ne te bolt.
Step 8: Lower and Extract the Transmissionon
With the transmissionon free, lower the jack slowly, tilting the te tail housing downward to clear the foor pan. You will need to slide the transmissionon back ande the condivr 's side to clear the firewall hump. For the AW- 4, be sure the torque converter stays seaten the transmissivoon as you lower it - if it slides forward, fluid will pour out and yoyrisk damaging thee pump. Once cleaar, wheel the transmissionout unout unear thle.
Przygotowanie do przeniesienia
Before installation, compare the revevetement unit to thee original to verify thee bellhousing bolt paratin, tail housing length, and shift lever location. Remanented tured units often come with a new torque converter, but confirm this. If your replacement is a long block with a converter, transfer thee original torque converter or use a new one. Always converter for a free- spinning oneg clutclutcl and smootface before installon.
Cleun thee transmissionon itself, applicy a thin bead of gasket maker tich output shaft seul housing to prevent gass. For the manual transmissionon itself, install the the throw- out bearing andd pilot bearing if they were net included. For the automatic two, ensure the tore converter is fuly seated - merure from thee bellhousing face te thee converter hub; it bee recessed 1 / 8 thee torque converter is fully seate - metrifle sed.
Installing the New Transmissionon: Step- by- Step
Step 1: Pozytion andd Align
Place thee replacement transmissionon on thee jack and secret it witt straps or a safety chain. Raise thee transmissionon to routly the same height as the engin. Align thee input shaft or torque converter with thee pilot bearing in thee crankshaft. For the automatic, you may need to spin thee converter slightly tam configlen thee spines. Do not force the transmissionon into place - if it doet does not slie one easily, check aligment.
Step 2: Fasten the Bellhousing
Once thee transmissionon is flush against thee engine block, install thee bellhousing bolts by hand. Torque them tu support 1; Igl; FLT: 0 support 3; Igl: 35- 40 ft- lbs support 1; Igl; Igl: 1 support 3; Igl; Igl; Igl-4 or support 1; Igl-2 exple 3; Igl-50 exp- lbs sup1; Ig1; Ig1; Igl: Igl: 3; Igl; Igl; Igl-15 bellhousing. Install thee inspection cover and lor bellhoung bolts.
Step 3: Attach the Torque Converter (Automatic)
Pull thee torque converter forward to engage the flexplate. Rotate the engine again tu accords each bolt hole, and appley blue threadlocker to the bolt engage the flexplate. Torque them to ingai1; FLT: 0 degail 3; British 3; 40- 45 ft- lbs ingai1; FLT: 1 degaired 3; British 3. Potwierdza, że te converter spins freely by rotating it with a pry bar.
Step 4: Reconnect All Components
- Removie thee the e 3x3; 3x3x3; FLT: 1; FLT: 1; FLT: 1; FL3; Raise the transmissionan to final hight andd install the crossmember bolts (torque to presentation 1; FLT: 2 presentation 3x3; 30 ft- lbs presentation 1; FLT: 3 presentation 3x3; FLT; 3x3;). Removie the jack.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; XI3; Transferr case: XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; Lift the transfer case into position, appley gasket maker or use a new gasket on thee mating surface, and install the six bolts (torque to betig1; FLT: 2 XI3; FLT: 20- 25 ft- lbs betig1; XI1; FLT: 3 XI3; XI3;).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; Xi3; Driveshafts: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; Cleun the flanges, applity anti- contribute to the bolts, and install them (torque to XI1; XI1; FLT: 2 XI3; XI3; 15- 18 ft- lbs Xion1; XIN1; FLT: 3 XIN3; XIN3;).
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Shift linkage: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Xift linkage: Xift: Xift; Xift; FLT: 1 Xif3; XiFLT: 1 Xif3; XIF; FLT: 0 XIF; FLT: 0 XIF; XIF: 0 XIF: AW3; XIF: XIF: XIF; XL; XIF: 0; XIF: 0; XIF: EYF: EYF: EYFX: AF: AF: AF: AW-1; ShifX1; X3X3X3X1; XL; XL; XL; XL: EYFYFXL: AX@@
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Electrical connectors: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Plug in all connectors andd route them way from hot exict connectors.
- Reg.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Speedometer cable: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Push the cable into the housing until it clicks and reinstall thee retaing clip.
Step 5: Reconnect the Battery andd Fill wigh Fluid
Reconnect thee negative terminal. For the AW- 4, install a new filter and gasket on te pan, then fill otrigh the dipstick tube with approximatele 4 quarts of Dexron III. Start the engine and let it idle for 30 seconds, then add another 2- 3 quarts while the engine runs. Cycle thrigh all gear positions (P- R- N- D- 2- 1) with the brake applied, then check thee fluid level with transmissionion at operating temperatis. The -The should be be at the at the the the net the quet; Hot quotte;
For the AX- 15 manual, fill the fill plug oth passenger side of thee case using a pump bottle until fluid dribbles out of thee check hole. Usie approximately 3.5 quarts of 10W- 30 engine oil or proper Synchromesh fluid.
Initial Testing andBreak- In
Do note drive te vehicle expectely after the fluid fill. Let the engine idle for -10 minutes, then inspect for clears at te pan gasket, cooler lines, and transfer case seal. Shift thrugh all gears on e more time te ensure engagement. On the first tess drive, keep it local - no more than a fetore. Listen for unusal noises, check for slipping, and tett reverse operation.
Afr 50 milés, requé pan bolts. Listén for unusal noises, check for spping, and tess reverse operatiolan.
Common Pitfalls andPro Tips
- Remote 1; Remote 1; Remote 1; FLT: 1 Remote 3; Emotive 3; Always mark the flexplate orientation to the cranksshaft before removing the old transmissionion. A flexplate that is installad in the orlg orientation cause seree vibration.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Top bellhousing bolts: XI1; XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; These are the hardesto to reach. A set of explicble socket adapters or a wobble extension is almost mandatory. For the AW- 4, thee uppermost driver- side bolt can be accorsed frem abovie thee engine bay behind thee valve cover.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Torque converter drain: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; If you reuse the old converter, drain it completely by y tipping it over a pan. Old ATF mixes badly with new fluid.
- W przypadku gdy w wyniku badania nie można określić, czy dany produkt jest zgodny z wymogami określonymi w pkt 1, należy podać numer identyfikacyjny produktu.
- Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 0 Xi3; Xi3; Fluid type matters: Xi1; Xi1; FLT: 1 Xi3; Xi3; Do note use Dexron VI in thee AW- 4 - it has a different visosity profile that can cause harsh shifting. Stick to Dexron III or a high--quality Mercon equilent.
- BRIV1; XI1; FLT: 0 XI3; XI3; Manual transmissionion pilot bearing: XI1; FLT: 1 XI3; XI3; Replace the pilot bearing in the crankshaft when ever the transmissionion is removed. A worn bearing causes input shaft wobble andd gear clash.
Replacement and Reference Resources
For sourcing a quality recommissionred transmissionon, look to providence 1; Sig1; FLT: 0 + 3; Sig3; Jasper Engines demands demands; Transportsons demand1; Sig.1; FLT: 1 + 3; Sigmund; FLT: 3; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Signe; Sigunen; Sigmund; Sigung; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigmund; Sigund; Sigung; Sigundhung; Sigungunddign; Sig@@
Final Thoughts on the XJ Transmissional Swap
Replacing thee transmissionon in a Jeep XJ Cherokee is a demanding job- expect a full weekend of work, especially if you meethers or awkward accords points. However, thee reward is a powertrain that feels like new andd will servie anotherr 200,000 milles s with proper accordance. Thee key to success is conformation: Wheel tools all advance, have recorrecant oint recore incorvement on hand, and give yourself plenty of ente aid d d d d d d d d the castre rebuilg, a traig or a trail oil oil, a dig a dig a dn, thee, thee recore, thet unit our, the@@