1998 Transmission problem

[boomer1]

Looking for a little advise :confused1

I have a 1998 Cherokee Sport with the Borg-Warner auto, 90,000 miles. Picked it up used two weeks ago.

While driving it the other day, it starts leaking transmission fluid from the bottom of the bell housing and inspection plate. Stop, check the fluid, it's low, so I top if off and baby it home.

Got home and everything underneath is coated. Down to the car wash, watching the fluid, and clean it off. Couple times around the block and confirm where it's leaking.

After reserching, I'm assuming that it is most likely the torque converter seal or pump leaking. Everyone I've talked to today, wants to drop the tranny, completely rebuild it and re-install. It was driving fine, and shifting fine, so with that mileage, I wouldn't think it needs to be completely rebuilt.

I really can't afford to put $2,500 into the jeep to have the tranny completely rebuilt, if it doesn't need it. I do a little backyard mechanic work on my jeeps, but pulling it is above my ability.

So, anyone you might recommend in the north denver area, specifically around Northglenn that might work with me. Or even, anyone you would recommend I stay away from. Really would like to get it fixed, but on a very limited budget, so need to try and just get the bare neccessities done to get it up and running.

Thanks in advance

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Yeah, that's a tough fix for a guy who can't or isn't willing to do the work themselves.

Your best bet is to call around to some mom and pop mechanic shops and see if they'd be willing to replace just the leaking seals. Big name transmission shops probably won't want to do it - they want the bigger job/sale.

Either way, the entire transmission and driveline are going to have to come out to fix the leak. There's no way to fix that and leave the transmission in place - so the large majority of the expense is going to be labor. Lots of wrenching just to get that transmission out. The fix itself probably would only take 30 minutes once the trans is out.

You could also PM Terry (87xjco) who has a business out of his garage doing automotive work. He might be willing to take that on. He's done lots of axle gear installs and other work for several folks here. He does good honest work.

 

[JohnJohn]

The $s are in the drop and re-install. If you going to pay it for a seal, might as well get the whole thing done. While it's out.

High Country Transmission on Colfax and Hanava. Dave is the owner, and a friend, tell him John Paulsen sent ya. Maybe he'll cut you a deal.

I had the same issue with my 98. When the fliud would get hot it would boil over the seal and drip down on the exhaust. I just paid the piper and rebuilt the whole 100k unit while it was out.