'99 to '02 Trans Swap

Tigger09

TJ Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 19, 2018
Messages
146
Location
Chicago, IL
I have a 2002 with a leaking 32RH. It also clicks from the bell housing. Long story short, I think the PO ran it low on trans fluid, damaged the the torque converter and then let the bank repossess it when he found out the cost to repair it.

I was able to pick up a trans from a froum member from a '99 figuring that a trans out of working TJ was a better option than hoping the original trans only needed the TC. (plus I've always wanted to try an automatic rebuild)

So.... what do I need to know? Should I replace seals before I install the trans? Are there 99 to 02 concerns to consider like spline counts? The trans looks to be in good shape but I don't want to pull it twice because I skipped swapping a seal while it was on the work bench or find that it won't mate with my transfer case.
 
I don't know of any significant differences between 97 to 02 32RH transmissions. The rear seal is easily replaced but I don't know about the front.
 
I'm in the same boat with a very leaky 32RH, sucker dumps fluid out of it. Haven't figured out where it's coming from but it's got 200k on it and I need to swap the motor anyway so I picked up another 32RH.
I haven't decided if I'm going to do a full rebuild, or just replace the seals on the tranny and throw it in. It's lower mileage (120k) so maybe throw it in for now.

Anyway, Check out the threads below. The first one is a good rebuild thread with where to get parts.
The second one is mine where I picked up the 32RH and there are some comments about what seals to replace.
If you are just going to throw it in, I strongly recommend replacing all external seals as in front pump, rear seal, shifter select seal, TV cable, etc.

Hope this helps!


https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/32rh-transmission-rebuild.59697/page-5#post-1108420
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/picked-up-a-32rh-transmission-today-for-100.61486/#post-1104375