need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
1st also.

I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
fix it myself, or if I should send it out.

My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
their shafts?

Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?

One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
"gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?

Thanx in advance!

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

It takes some expertise to figure out when something in a manual
transmission is bent, out of whack, or unusable. For that reason the ideal
solution is to find a shop that has rebuilt a number of these boxes before.
Fifth and reverse didn't just up and self destruct by themselves, neither
did first. There is a bent shift fork or excessive bearing clearance
somewhere. If you want to do it yourself, then get a Factory Service Manual
for your year vehicle, read the transmission section, and make sure that you
can improvise or obtain every special tool that is mentioned. You can buy
gears, shafts, small parts kits, etc., lots of times at your local auto
parts store. They will know who is a good rebuilder in your area too. I
strongly advise farming this work out to someone in-state, just in case you
have to sue them. It happens.

The best clutch alignment tool made is the input shaft, sticking out of your
transmission. A guy I used to know would take out the input shaft, just to
get an alignment tool. This is not recommended for everyone, as they can be
tricky to remove and replace. The plastic or metal all purpose alignment
tools with the cone to fit in the clutch splines can be made to work, but
they are less satisfactory.

Good luck.

Earle

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

It takes some expertise to figure out when something in a manual
transmission is bent, out of whack, or unusable. For that reason the ideal
solution is to find a shop that has rebuilt a number of these boxes before.
Fifth and reverse didn't just up and self destruct by themselves, neither
did first. There is a bent shift fork or excessive bearing clearance
somewhere. If you want to do it yourself, then get a Factory Service Manual
for your year vehicle, read the transmission section, and make sure that you
can improvise or obtain every special tool that is mentioned. You can buy
gears, shafts, small parts kits, etc., lots of times at your local auto
parts store. They will know who is a good rebuilder in your area too. I
strongly advise farming this work out to someone in-state, just in case you
have to sue them. It happens.

The best clutch alignment tool made is the input shaft, sticking out of your
transmission. A guy I used to know would take out the input shaft, just to
get an alignment tool. This is not recommended for everyone, as they can be
tricky to remove and replace. The plastic or metal all purpose alignment
tools with the cone to fit in the clutch splines can be made to work, but
they are less satisfactory.

Good luck.

Earle

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

It takes some expertise to figure out when something in a manual
transmission is bent, out of whack, or unusable. For that reason the ideal
solution is to find a shop that has rebuilt a number of these boxes before.
Fifth and reverse didn't just up and self destruct by themselves, neither
did first. There is a bent shift fork or excessive bearing clearance
somewhere. If you want to do it yourself, then get a Factory Service Manual
for your year vehicle, read the transmission section, and make sure that you
can improvise or obtain every special tool that is mentioned. You can buy
gears, shafts, small parts kits, etc., lots of times at your local auto
parts store. They will know who is a good rebuilder in your area too. I
strongly advise farming this work out to someone in-state, just in case you
have to sue them. It happens.

The best clutch alignment tool made is the input shaft, sticking out of your
transmission. A guy I used to know would take out the input shaft, just to
get an alignment tool. This is not recommended for everyone, as they can be
tricky to remove and replace. The plastic or metal all purpose alignment
tools with the cone to fit in the clutch splines can be made to work, but
they are less satisfactory.

Good luck.

Earle

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I have had good luck using the clutch jig that comes with the new ones.

A gent posted here recently about using bolts with the heads cut off or
I would use threaded rod chunks ground to a bullet end threaded into the
engine block to use to feed the bell housing back onto the engine
straight and easy.

How was the transmission mount when you took it apart? A blown one will
cause your symptoms as well....

'I' personally wouldn't take on a tranny. Too many specialized tools
and knowledge involved. However, you might be able to find a tranny
that someone has upgraded from maybe....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

jwallacq@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I have had good luck using the clutch jig that comes with the new ones.

A gent posted here recently about using bolts with the heads cut off or
I would use threaded rod chunks ground to a bullet end threaded into the
engine block to use to feed the bell housing back onto the engine
straight and easy.

How was the transmission mount when you took it apart? A blown one will
cause your symptoms as well....

'I' personally wouldn't take on a tranny. Too many specialized tools
and knowledge involved. However, you might be able to find a tranny
that someone has upgraded from maybe....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

jwallacq@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I have had good luck using the clutch jig that comes with the new ones.

A gent posted here recently about using bolts with the heads cut off or
I would use threaded rod chunks ground to a bullet end threaded into the
engine block to use to feed the bell housing back onto the engine
straight and easy.

How was the transmission mount when you took it apart? A blown one will
cause your symptoms as well....

'I' personally wouldn't take on a tranny. Too many specialized tools
and knowledge involved. However, you might be able to find a tranny
that someone has upgraded from maybe....

Mike
86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00
88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's
Canadian Off Road Trips Photos: Non members can still view!
Jan/06 http://www.imagestation.com/album/pi...?id=2115147590
(More Off Road album links at bottom of the view page)

jwallacq@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I would recommend buying a rebuilt from Advance or AutoZone. I recently had
trouble with my TJ tranny and checked price... $900 w/core. My problem
turned out to be simple to fix... just a pin in the shift rod. Your's
sounds like bigger problems.

--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
Warn X8000i

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I would recommend buying a rebuilt from Advance or AutoZone. I recently had
trouble with my TJ tranny and checked price... $900 w/core. My problem
turned out to be simple to fix... just a pin in the shift rod. Your's
sounds like bigger problems.

--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
Warn X8000i

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>

Re: need advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I would recommend buying a rebuilt from Advance or AutoZone. I recently had
trouble with my TJ tranny and checked price... $900 w/core. My problem
turned out to be simple to fix... just a pin in the shift rod. Your's
sounds like bigger problems.

--
JimG
80' CJ-7 258 CID, HEI
4.56 Gears, Lock-Right F&R
35" BFG MT on 15x10 Centerlines
D44 Rear, D30 Front. SOA
Dana 300 w/4:1 & Currie twin sticks
Warn X8000i w/ dual batteries

00' TJ Sport 4.0L, 5sp
4.56 Gears, TrueTrac rear
33" BFG AT on 15x8 Eagle Alloys
D35 Rear, D30 Front. 3" Suspension Lift
Warn X8000i

<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159456227.270855.143970@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
> My 94 Wrangler (4 cyl, 170,000 miles) started having problems with the
> 5-speed manual transmission. First I lost 5th gear, then it started
> seizing or locking up in reverse, and finally it started locking up in
> 1st also.
>
> I have removed it from the vehicle, and separated the transmission from
> the transfer case; and now I am wondering if it makes sense to try to
> fix it myself, or if I should send it out.
>
> My biggest concern with trying to fix it myself is whether I will be
> able to find the parts; are there any retailers out there who sell
> individual components for transmissions??? Also, will I need to have
> access to a hydraulic press to get the bearings, gears, etc. off of
> their shafts?
>
> Does anybody have a ballpark idea of how much it should cost to have it
> rebuilt? And where would be the best place to take it?
>
> One other question: As long as I have the transmission down, I
> probably ought to replace the clutch, also. Are there any special
> "gotchas" that I need to watch out for? Will I have to buy some kind
> of alignment tool to get the new pressure plate centered properly?
>
> Thanx in advance!
>