seeking 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
first also.

I have now 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. (I have repaired
transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)

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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.

One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.

This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.

HTH

Carl




<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> first also.
>
> I have now 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. (I have repaired
> transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>
> 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.

One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.

This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.

HTH

Carl




<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> first also.
>
> I have now 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. (I have repaired
> transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>
> 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.

One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.

This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.

HTH

Carl




<jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> first also.
>
> I have now 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. (I have repaired
> transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>
> 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.

I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.

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)

Carl wrote:
>
> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>
> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>
> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>
> HTH
>
> Carl
>
> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> > first also.
> >
> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
> >
> > 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.

I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.

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)

Carl wrote:
>
> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>
> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>
> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>
> HTH
>
> Carl
>
> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> > first also.
> >
> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
> >
> > 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.

I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.

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)

Carl wrote:
>
> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>
> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut the
> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use a
> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four mounting
> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>
> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>
> HTH
>
> Carl
>
> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
> > first also.
> >
> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
> >
> > 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I think two installed in the upper two holes might allow the trans to tip
down a little bit, and two in the lower holes might allow it to tip up. I
suppose three would work.

Using four rods, I was easily able to install my AX-5 with t-case attached
without help.

Let me know if you use the rods and how you like it.

Carl




"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:451D3D81.4CAD8BCF@sympatico.ca...
> Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
> each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
> kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.
>
> I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.
>
> 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)
>
> Carl wrote:
>>
>> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
>> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
>> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
>> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>>
>> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
>> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut
>> the
>> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use
>> a
>> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four
>> mounting
>> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
>> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
>> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>>
>> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>>
>> HTH
>>
>> Carl
>>
>> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
>> > first also.
>> >
>> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
>> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>> >
>> > 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I think two installed in the upper two holes might allow the trans to tip
down a little bit, and two in the lower holes might allow it to tip up. I
suppose three would work.

Using four rods, I was easily able to install my AX-5 with t-case attached
without help.

Let me know if you use the rods and how you like it.

Carl




"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:451D3D81.4CAD8BCF@sympatico.ca...
> Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
> each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
> kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.
>
> I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.
>
> 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)
>
> Carl wrote:
>>
>> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
>> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
>> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
>> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>>
>> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
>> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut
>> the
>> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use
>> a
>> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four
>> mounting
>> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
>> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
>> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>>
>> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>>
>> HTH
>>
>> Carl
>>
>> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
>> > first also.
>> >
>> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
>> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>> >
>> > 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: seeking advice RE Wrangler transmission overhaul
 

I think two installed in the upper two holes might allow the trans to tip
down a little bit, and two in the lower holes might allow it to tip up. I
suppose three would work.

Using four rods, I was easily able to install my AX-5 with t-case attached
without help.

Let me know if you use the rods and how you like it.

Carl




"Mike Romain" <romainm@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:451D3D81.4CAD8BCF@sympatico.ca...
> Do you think you need 4 of them? I was figuring two should do, one on
> each side. I already have misc. chunks of threaded rod the right size
> kicking around so I am going to just cut off chunks of that.
>
> I have an engine to swap soon and will try that likely.
>
> 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)
>
> Carl wrote:
>>
>> You should be able to buy the trans parts from the dealer. I got a new
>> clutch for my 89 YJ from eBay for around $125. It was an OEM replacement
>> clutch. It inlcuded clutch disk, pressure plate, pilot bearing, and
>> alignment tool. Be sure you get the flywheel resurfaced.
>>
>> One last tip. Take one of the transmission to bellhousing bolts to the
>> hardware store and get one of the same thread but about 5" longer. Cut
>> the
>> heads off and taper the ends. Also cut a slot into the end so you can use
>> a
>> screwdriver to remove the rods. Thread the rods into the lower four
>> mounting
>> holes before you re-install the transmission. When you re-install the
>> transmission, simply put the transmission on those rods and it will slide
>> right into perfect alignment with zero pressure on the pilot bearing.
>>
>> This would also be a good time to change the transfer case fluid.
>>
>> HTH
>>
>> Carl
>>
>> <jwallacq@hotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:1159471707.405696.11380@i3g2000cwc.googlegrou ps.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
>> > first also.
>> >
>> > I have now 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. (I have repaired
>> > transmissions myself before, but not for quite a few years.)
>> >
>> > 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!
>> >