Swapping out a 32RH with a...32RH?

[Bammo68]

So here is the story: I have a spare 32RH from a 2001 TJ in my back shed on standby for the day I might need it. A mate bought a TJ for a bit of fun but it looks like the previous owner has stiffed him and the 32RH in that is totally cooked. I've sold him my spare one for the price of a few beers as he doesn't have much money and he was suffering severe buyers remorse!

I haven't done a tranny swap before and he hasn't got the money to pay for it to be done by a shop (plus his TJ isn't driveable) - how hard are they to swap in a driveway? I'm assuming we would need the usual hand tools plus some way to support the tranny as it comes out along with a set of seals and a new filter and some ATF.

If its a 1:1 swap are there any big gotchas?

 

[macleanflood]

You can do it with a floor jack, an e torx socket and some basic hand tools. And a couple of beers.

Easy weekend project for first timers. Really get to it and you can get it done inside a day.

-Mac

 

[Powers145]

what Mac said, take a few picturs of shift linkage and wiring for reference. keep bolts and everything seperate and start tearing down.

 

[macleanflood]

I'd probably also swap the input and output shaft seals on the new used one...drop the pan on the existing one in place and check the sludge...and on the new used one...fresh pan gasket, filter and slightly easier to get in with less fluid. They also make spray cans for flushing out transmission coolers...run a whole can out and get all the junk out.

-Mac

 

[Jerry Bransford]

It's really a pretty easy swap. Just make sure you get the replacement transmission's ATF level where it needs to be. Check the ATF level only while the engine is running and the transmission in Neutral. If you check the ATF level with the transmission in Park or without the engine running the dipstick will erroneously show there's more ATF inside than their really is. Use only ATF+4.

Not to mention that where an automatic transmission is concerned it's better for it to be slightly overfilled than slightly underfilled.

 

[Bammo68]

OK cheers guys - I dont really want to do this one as I have my own list of projects that are backed up but maybe I can convince him to have a crack at it and then I can step in and assist! I'll get him to order new seals and a filter kit...