Jeep automatic trans reliability

[E4Marty]

I've been searching for a Cherokee, and all that is really in my area carry the automatic transmission. I would really prefer the manual, but it ain't the end of the world to settle for an auto. My question is though just how reliable and lasting they are against the AX15.

[xjrev10]

AW4 is a great auto trans.

 

I see you are from the Duluth area. Good luck on finding a AX-15!

[mvusse]

After 141,000 miles with monthly off road abuse, my 26 year old AW4 is still fine.

 

After 195,000 road miles the 17 year old original one from Sparkles is just as fine. The 16 year old 4wd one I swapped in with 140,000 is the same.

[Incommando]

It is not at all unusual to get well over 250,000 miles on an AW4. The addition of a dedicated tranny cooler is a great aid to any auto tranny and will also help the AW4. As you are in a cold climate plumbing it so that it bypasses the aux. cooler and just uses the in-radiator cooler in the winter may help it get up to temp faster.

[tbrand]

Petty Cash Racing runs a Cherokee in the 24 Hours of Lemons, which is an endurance racing series for beater rigs. Last time I heard, the AW4 transmission they use had been through 5000+ hard racing miles. It started out with 250k normal miles on it, and it's outlasted at least two 4.0 motors (which are not exactly dainty, themselves).

 

I think you'll be ok with the AW4.