Strong shifting Jeep tranny

[HawkeyeScott]

I'm at 123K on the Jeep. Transmission seems strong and I'd like to keep it that way. I need this vehicle to be a daily driver for 3.5 more years. So, I plan on getting the transmission fluid swapped out. The mechanic who will do it always re-fills with synthetic fluid. That's fine, but I would be perfectly happy with conventional ATF - especially if anyone has experienced leaks or other problems following a switch to synthetic.

And while I'm posting, at what point do I need to start thinking about the timing chain in this 4.0?

By the way, I have been on this board for 2 years now and do a lot more reading than posting. But what an AWESOME resource for novices like me who have way more questions than answers. Thanks for letting me hang around!


With that said, fire away Jeepsters/others.

 

[mstrjon32]

171K on the timing chain in my 4.0L. I don't plan on replacing it any time soon.

As for the ATF I think you're fine with either synthetic or conventional. You're much more likely to start leaking oil out of the rear main seal, the oil filter adapter o-ring, or the valve cover before you start leaking it out of the transmission.

 

[MarkC]

149K on my 96 Cherokee's timing chain. No intention of replacing it either, unless it makes me....

Can't help you with the transmission, mine's a 5-speed.

 

[mstrjon32]

Originally Posted By: MarkC
Can't help you with the transmission, mine's a 5-speed.


What fluid do your run in your AX-15? I've got Mobil 1 75W-90 in mine now and I'm not terribly impressed with the shifting.

 

[MNgopher]

Worry about the timing chain when it fails, which won't be any time soon. Seriously, unless there is some other symptom we don't know about, don't worry about it for even one minute. Lots of examples of these motors well over 200k without needing any work like this.

As for the transmission, the AW4 is a good transmission for this application and is more than stout enough for the 4.0. On some other boards I have heard of reports of some synthetics causing problems with slipping that disappears when switched back to conventional, but I have no idea if true. I'v used a semi-synthetic in the past with no problems.

Also, these transmissions use Dexron, not ATF+ whatever Chrysler is at these days. Dexron was the original specification. Chrysler has issued a TSB that says ATF=4 is OK, but in my view, if it wasn't broke, don't fix it. The AW4 running Dexron is not the weak point in these rigs either.

 

[Zaedock]

The AW4 in your XJ is an awesome transmission. Perform the regular service intervals with regular 'ol ATF and it will easily last 3.5 years.

IMO, you don't need to worry about the timing chain. Your engine has barely reached it's half-life.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: MNgopher
Also, these transmissions use Dexron, not ATF+ whatever Chrysler is at these days. Dexron was the original specification. Chrysler has issued a TSB that says ATF=4 is OK, but in my view, if it wasn't broke, don't fix it. The AW4 running Dexron is not the weak point in these rigs either.


X2

 

[AzFireGuy79]

If you go for the ATF+4 it is synthetic. Its not as good as amsoil or Redline C+ but it will be a step up from the conventional. You can get Mopar (black bottle,white and blue label) ATF+4 at wally world all day long fairly cheap. Flush it and you are golden. Just did my neighbors TJ. Shifts like a dream!

 

[HawkeyeScott]

Good thing to know about the fluid.

And the news on the timing chain doesn't surprise me. I've known a few high mileage Jeep owners and can't remember one ever saying anything about the timing chain needing attention.

 

[Greaser]

I bought my Cherokee new in 1999.Always did drains & fills on the AW-4 with Mobil 1 ATF every year with no problems.Have 269,000km on her now and have switched to Valvoline Max-Life ATF due to age.Still runs great!The timing chain will go when the next owner gets about 500,000 on her

 

[Donald]

Not that long ago all engines had timing chains and no one worried about one wearing out or failing.