AW4 questions, options, and opinions

[ComancheKid45]

Alright fellas, well I've developed a leak from my Transmission on my 4wd 88 AW4. It's likely from the pump seal so obviously the trans has to come out. Here's where I'd like to discuss a bit. The trans shifts and operates fine and supposedly was refreshed about 85k ago (no proof on that) I'm debating whether to have it completely rebuilt while its out to save headache down the road, or just to pull it change a few seals and re install....would it be wise to replace the torque converter? Just looking for opinions on what the most efficient way is to go about this.... Thanks guys!

[HOrnbrod]

A rebuild will cost you at least $1500, probably more, and from what I've seen, maybe 50% of them will work properly. A friend of mine who's the owner of a local transmission shop says the AW4/A340 family of transmissions are tough to get right. You can get a new surplus guaranteed 4WD AW4 w. torque converter for around $1800 from several vendors and even Chrysler themselves. Just do a search for surplus AW4 transmissions and call the seller to be sure it will work for your application. There are both surplus 2WD and 4WD versions.

[ComancheKid45]

Yeah that's what I've been reading, I'm currently aiming for replacing all seals and probably the torque converter while its out and reinstalling, since there is no issues with drivability

[ComancheKid45]

Plan now looks like I have a hookup on another Aw4 and matching 23 spline transfer case. Gonna snatch them up, go through them and just swap them in. Thanks. Refresh my current running gear for spares