32RH Dipstick Tube Replacement Option

[olysan]

I am working on a frame swap for my 2000 TJ with a 4.0 and 32RH trans. My transmission dipstick tube is bent so I'd like to replace it. Direct replacements are scarce and priced accordingly so I'm thinking of going with one of these https://www.jegs.com/i/Trans-Dapt/969/8148/10002/-1 . Has anyone used something similar? Did it seal well and were there any surprises when installing it? I think I can mount it to the firewall pretty easily.

 

[hear]

I'll be brief:


you're cooked.

 

[hear]

I haven't found anything in the after market that actually works. There are plenty that will fit in the hole, and some will even seal up, but nothing that really seems to route properly with the bends and all that, and definitely nothing that will bolt to the bellhousing. The only thing I've found that actually works is a used one off ebay motors, and those are $200+. And even then make sure that the end taper matches what you already have. There were 2 styles, an o-ring fit with pretty much no taper, and then the grommet style which is tapered. I've never tested if a grommet style will seal up an o-ring style transmission.....that would imply that the cases are different in that spot and I haven't collected any data on that. Mr Blaine might know that bit of trivia.

Knowing what I know, it would have to be pretty freaking bent for me to want to find something new.

 

[hear]

I'm interested to know if the one you linked will work. The main issue is that there is a bolt hole near the top that almost certainly wont find a corresponding bolt on your jeep, but that's not to say you can't fab something or even use a zip tie. Whether or not it seals is the real question. If you find one for a 727 I like your chances, but this will be an experiement. As far as actual function, what matters is that the tip of the dipstick itself sits at the same position as the OEM dipstick. You can probably proxy that by determining how much "stick out" they both have, and then offset that by how they actually seat in the hole.

 

[olysan]

I do have the original so I think I can use that to get the level right. I also think I can find a spot on the firewall to mount it. So I think if it seals it will work. My current version uses the grommet setup so I’ concerned about this one using o-rings.

 

[hear]

I swear I posted this somewhere yesterday but it's not here so I'll say it again. If you do have trouble with it sealing, you can drain it, dry it, and then seal it up with The Right Stuff. My o-ring dipstick never sealed after the first time I removed it, and The Right Stuff solved the problem. It also removes very easy should you need to do it again for some reason.

 

[olysan]

I received the new dipstick and tube and it is really a slick setup, but I'm having some second thoughts about how to mount it to the firewall. My initial thought would be to drill two holes through the fire wall and use a couple self tapping screws to secure the bracket. But now I'm having second thoughts about drilling the firewall. The area circled in red is where I would need to drill. Does anybody have any experience drilling this area?

 

[hear]

hows the mounting at the transmission side?

 

[olysan]

hows the mounting at the transmission side?

Its nice. Good snug fit with two o-rings to seal it.

 

[olysan]

From the pics I'm seeing it looks like the HVAC box is behind the firewall in the area I'm looking at.

 

[tworley]

I'd use a nusert before self tapping screws.

 

[olysan]

I'd use a nusert before self tapping screws.

1. Why, what would the benefit be?
2. I'm leaning towards neither. Since I don't know whats behind that area I don't think I'm going to drill it.

 

[tworley]

1. Why, what would the benefit be?

Stronger, vibration resistant, look a lot better, easy removal/installation, better for thin metals.

 

[Moglocker]

Plus,drill just deep enough to make a hole ,install nutzert and make the bolt no longer than it needs to be,this is the way to do it right.

 

[olysan]

Quick Follow-up on this.

1. The dipstick works very well and seals nicely.
2. One thing I hadn't considered is the original is attached to the transmission and therefore can move with the transmission. Ideally this should be attached to the transmission as well.
3. I currently have my trans out of the jeep but when it goes back I intend to use a cushioned hose clamp to connect the new dipstick using the same bolt as the original.

Once i make the change to the connection noted I will consider this a complete success.

 

[hear]

This is amazing. Need finished pics.