Jeep down! Repeat: Jeep down!

[Mopud]

I knew it was on its way out but yesterday my transmission finally decided it had enough of this life. I managed to limp home from work yesterday afternoon and the diagnosis so far is a busted torque converter and worn clutches. We're thinking it could also be the trans oil pump but we won't know for sure until we pull it out.

I'm thinking the mighty stroker gave it more than it could handle. It's the 32rh 3 speed auto. I had relocated the breather, put a deeper sump on and also run an external trans oil cooler. A shame it had to go but now i'm looking forward to trying something else in there.

With the 4.66L, at 100km/h it's sitting at about 3000rpm. Combine that with a fat exhaust the cabin noise is deafening and fatiguing to say the least (as much as i love the sound!). An overdrive now would be lovely.

I've been looking at swapping in an another Chrysler automatic (it'll be a cold day in hell when i put a Chevy part in my Jeep) so i've been looking at a donor tranny from another Jeep.

I'm not asking "how do i do this" but rather asking for general feedback, opinions and advice on selection. The points to consider are; I need it to be strong enough to handle the massive torque with the stroker (apparently the R in 32RH means it is only good for 200-300ft-lb?) and also give me an overdrive (I need it for touring!).

I'm completely unsure of the whole computer controlled set up with these transmissions so i'm not sure what would and wouldn't work with my 2001 TJ.
The 32RH is a hydraulic unit but the four speeds all seem to be electronic (i guess that means computer controlled?) I've been looking at the 42RLE which is found in 03-06 TJ's and 06-10 JK's but if they're computer controlled i don't know if it will work with the computer in my TJ. Also i don't know how these transmissions have been received by the people who use them.

Big thanks to anyone who can provide me with some helpful info.

Regards,

Mopud

[fil]

Easiest swap would be the AW4 from a xj chero. The early ones run a separate control unit so your factory ecu won't even know. But, the 3spd would be able to be made stronger for less $ so you need to weigh up if you want the extra gear. To put in the aw4 you will need cross member mods and tail shaft mods, plus all the small stuff like flex plate and t case input yoke will need to be shortened. I have done a couple aw4 swaps from manual and from auto. The 42 rle I don't think will do what you want, there is little available to stregthen them. The aw4 can be made to handle more torque than you are making, but at a cost, they are the same trans as the twin turbo Toyota soarer and supra among others. The simplicity of the 3spd is a big draw card though, no tcu, no mods, just build it, and keep it cool. Essentially it is just a TF904.

[AussieCJ7]

I put a AW4 in my CJ7 when I did the 4.0L swap it would be my choice cheap and easy the only gotcha is a little longer so you will need to lengthen front shaft and shorten the rear

[Mopud]

Regards for the replies gents and apologies for dropping off the planet, i've been otherwise occupied.

I took what you said on board fil and have decided to rebuild the 3speed. I've already done a lot of work to it and right now i don't want to mess around with a long and drawn out process of fitting another model transmission. Economically as you suggest it will be more reasonable - i'm only paying for a rebuild. I was quoted $1650 for a used 4 speed, following that i'd need a rebuild and then also mess around with it to fit it.

I've only just today managed to remove the 32rh and will be sending it in for a rebuild in the morning.

Could you suggest anything worthwhile i could do with the transfer case? It's the standard NP231J. I figure while it's all out and accessible i may as well do the rest while i'm at it. Maybe it'll be worth replacing some internals?

Regards,

Anthony

[fil]

maybe look into a heavy duty chain and planetary, better to do it now while its still in one piece. Here is the link for the planetary, but i cant remember who had the chains, I though it was AA though, maybe im just not looking hard enough.

http://www.advanceadapters.com/products/pn-29-2321/

[Mopud]

Thanks for the link, i ended up leaving it as is but it's good to know that's there in future if i ever destroy it!

I'm happy to report that as of last Saturday the transmission is installed and running fine. It shifts beautifully and i feel a lot more response out the back wheels when i put my foot down. Having said that, I'm still running it in so i haven't given it a good squirt yet.

Total cost of the rebuild was $3k including recon torque converter and all performance parts shift kits etc in the trans. Quite happy with that.

Regards,
Mopud