Now THIS, is gonna hurt ...

[TWDJ]

Took my daughter for a run up to Signal Peak this afternoon (will get pics posted later) and had a great time with no performance issues at all. Everything worked great.

So we've driven back to town and are pulling away from the first stop light (after getting off the freeway) and I get a odd noise that is hard to identify. Wasn't really sure it was me. By the time I got the stereo turned down, we were up to residential speed and there was nothing to hear.

When I pulled up my driveway is when I heard it again. Engine revving but not like normal ... odd vibration/sound ... pulled into garage and checked ATF. There is some kind of odor. Not the skunky, burnt smell as the ATF pan is drained every 6 months. The ATF still has the characteristic bright red color but also has a lot of black fiberous material that appeared when wiping on the white shop towel. This is not good as I'm thinking friction material from the drive plates.

So, now that I'm in the market for a new/rebuilt transmission (TF999 (RH32) how about some advice. Rebuild, upgrade or replace with something else?

I guess I could have made this a poll but the idea is to get ... some ideas.

Thanks for the input.

 

[TwistedCU]

The 3 speed is a pretty solid trans, but an upgrade couldn't hurt. I am a little foggy on this, but I believe a AW4 4 speed auto from a newer TJ or an XJ is a great swap. Very strong and an extra gear for highway speeds. I think there are some computer issues to overcome, but nothing major.

If I had to replace the 999 in my 91 YJ I would seriously consider another 999. If I was to upgrade it would definitely be an AW4, it is a really strong and reliable transmission, and a guy named Matt on NAXJA and Pirate makes a manual shifetr and manual lock up for the torque converter for it.

 

[jfrabat]

a guy named Matt on NAXJA and Pirate makes a manual shifetr and manual lock up for the torque converter for it.

I have seen that shifter... That's really nice!

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

The AW4 was only available in the XJ and MJ, and is a good upgrade to get an overdrive 4spd. You would need to wire in the trans computer to make it work with your ECM, easily done if you have the schematics for both. Here's a writeup on it: http://www.stu-offroad.com/engine/aw4/index.htm

You have to redrill the mounting flange where the 231 attaches to the AW4 so you can clock the 231 up, it hangs lower in the XJ/MJ applications.

 

[TWDJ]

Well, verdict is in ...

Pumps front and rear are toast, bearings very loose, bands and clutches are burnt with a lot of the friction material "removed" which accounted for the grainy, black stuff in the fluid. After talking to the technician, the squeeling noise I thought was a loose drive belt was the front pump (thought I could tell the difference but, I guess not).

Rebuilt trans with new TC, R&R = $1400.00

I'm having the AA slip yoke eliminator and polyurethane motor mounts installed at the same time. Why lay on your back when you don't need to, right?

All should be back together before Labor Day.

 

[jps4jeep]

Transmission, you don't need no stinkin transmission..


Grab a Sawzall and cut the floors out..

Worked for this guy

Seriously, if your going to be pulling the transmission for any reason, I would research some type of 4 speed or 5 speed, something with over drive would be nice. I can't remember where, but I was reading about a 700R4 or 4L60E (essentially the same, ones just electronic) being swapped into a jeep

 

[TWDJ]

Honestly, I had given that some thought over the last few months and there were a handful of factors in making my decision just to rebuild:

1 - As badly treated as it had been before I got it, the transmission made it to 160K miles. Says something for longevity and strength.

2 - Before installing a different transmission, I'd rebuild the replacement anyway so that cost would be the same or more.

3 - Don't/won't have time to do it myself. At 50, I'm finally in the place where the major work I can have someone else do while I spend my time doing more enjoyable/important things ... like attending my sons graduation from Army Basic Training in 2 weeks (hoorah!).

4 - Haven't seen any real gains in fuel mileage or longevity to defray the additional cost of making the swap.

At 160K miles the engine, though still strong, won't last forever and I WILL look seriously into a stroker motor knowing the transmission will be up to the task.