Jeep Strokers

I have an 88 Jeep Cherokee that I am about to lift 5.5" and put a stage 2 stroker in. I'm planning on getting some Currie rockjock 60 axles built for me, but I'm not sure what to do with the tranny. It's and automoatic 1988, so that means it's an AW4 transmission, right? If it is, I heard they're not the best trannys anyways, and aren't worth rebuilding. What are some good brand transmissions I can buy (new) or any ideas on what I should do with the tranny.
(I wasn't sure what section to post this thread in, hope it's fine here.)

You heard wrong.

bpranes wrote:It's and automoatic 1988, so that means it's an AW4 transmission, right? If it is, I heard they're not the best trannys anyways, and aren't worth rebuilding.

You do indeed have an AW4 and this is a solid, reliable tranny when properly maintained. As with any auto tranny, heat is the enemy so adding the largest possible (within the space available) auxiliary tranny cooler is the best thing you can do to prolong its life.

I also believe you have heard wrong on the aw4. I just had mine rebuilt as an insurance policy as I am installing a new 4.6 stroker. I had service (fluid flush done regularly) and was at 220k on the clock. The trans rebuilder said that it had minimal wear on the clutches and bands and told me he wouldn't have been afraid to run it for another 200k old motor or new.

Thanks for letting me know! Right now mine has 230xxx miles on it, so I'll just get it rebuilt

Mine has 275,000 miles on it and is now my favorite transmission. Previous favorites were Chrysler A727 and Ford C-6.

I built a trans cooler for the AW4 out of 1/2" Copper tubing that I mounted outside the R/H frame rail. It stretches from just behind the front wheel well back almost to the rear spring mount. I run synthetic ATF in it. That protects the oil, but not the piston seals, etc. from heat.

Don't forget these are behind Supras.

And in 5 ton trucks in Japan.