oh no! My transmission is going now.

[Sandbagger]

So, I've started to lose power in reverse and my automatic shifting in drive is sluggish at times. I'm pretty certain that the transmission is going. It's a vintage 1987 Chrysler tranny with over 150k miles on it. I think it's about time to replace.

What would you guys suggest that I pick up to replace it? As much as I love working on my wrangler, I feel that this job might be beyond my capabilities and will probably take it to a mechanic.

[91YEEPER]

if its just swapping in an auto, its very straight forward. hardest part is lining up the torque convertor and input on the trans when you reinstall it.

[CutterN55]

Sandbagger,

Have you checked the basics...ie fluid levels, band adjustments? What model is it?

[GOVT1911]

Have it checked out by someone that knows what's what with autos before making your final decision. Like someone else posted, check the fluid first. Is it brown and smell burnt?
FWIW, I just had the auto in my TJ completely rebuilt and vent line extended and it ran me around $1600.

[JimhatTJ]

if its just swapping in an auto, its very straight forward. hardest part is lining up the torque convertor and input on the trans when you reinstall it.

never every try and put the trans on with the torque converter already bolted to the fly wheel. that is the biggest made mistake and a great way to bust the front pump.

Always put the torque converter on the trans then install, then bolt the torque converter up to the fly wheel.

[Kevo]

never every try and put the trans on with the torque converter already bolted to the fly wheel. that is the biggest made mistake and a great way to bust the front pump.

Always put the torque converter on the trans then install, then bolt the torque converter up to the fly wheel.

that is a key, but also the torque converter usually only goes on to the flex plate in one spot, a tip I do is spray paint one bolt hole making sure to get torque converter and flex plate covered.
Also, if reusing the converter....be sure to check if there is a drain on the converter to see if you can get out the old fluid and fill it back b4 putting it in. You don't want to replace transmission or repair but put a converter in it that has alot of metal shavings in it just to risk destroying the trans again.

Good luck

[CutterN55]

never every try and put the trans on with the torque converter already bolted to the fly wheel. that is the biggest made mistake and a great way to bust the front pump.

Always put the torque converter on the trans then install, then bolt the torque converter up to the fly wheel.

I don't think he was trying to say to put the tq converter on the motor...I've never seen that done and would be damn near impossible to get it lined up. Painting a bolt hole when you remove the tq converter definitely saves a little headache, it's a good trick.

[91YEEPER]

I don't think he was trying to say to put the tq converter on the motor...I've never seen that done and would be damn near impossible to get it lined up. Painting a bolt hole when you remove the tq converter definitely saves a little headache, it's a good trick.

this what i was referring to, not actually installing the trans. its very straight forward. the tc can only bolt up 1 way as the bolts are spaced differently. it does help to mark the stud on the convertor so it simplifies the install. i would recommend putting studs in convertor instead of bolts if it still uses the stock bolts.

[Sandbagger]

Sandbagger,

Have you checked the basics...ie fluid levels, band adjustments? What model is it?

I've checked the fluid levels and they are good. The fluid seems clean.

It's a stock (vintage) 1987 auto trans. I'm not sure who the manufacturer was.



I'm pretty certain I want to replace the unit with a brand new one. What would you guys suggest for a manufacturer? I don't want to mess around since I'll probably be using it for trail riding.

[Sandbagger]

OK so maybe a rebuild is a better option for me now. I haven't had any luck finding a new one. As it stands, I'm waiting on my commuter vehicle ('96 Hyundai Elantra Wagon) to get an exhaust leak fixed before I start tearing into my only mode of transport.