Who's the cheapest in town to install a junkyard transmission? The ZJ scattered yesterday and I need it moving on the cheap, having just blown my man-funds on another priority.

Big Country Trans, but they will not like putting one in from a J/Y You can try C&C out in Tye (he is the only one that works on my rigs)

Talked to Joe yesterday when it was acting funny, just don't think I can afford a full rebuild by him. I think the TC clutch went south and sent pieces into the fluid. The tranny had been throwing a code for a couple weeks, griping about no RPM drop with TC lockup.

There's a place in Graham that has a tranny for $550 and will install it for $400 plus fluid and filter - was hoping to be able to knock a little bit off either the labor or parts (or both)

Another place in Fort Worth had a tranny for $450 delivered, but the Graham guys would probably like to sell me the one they install.

What would Joe charge for a bench rebuild? We can yank it out pretty quick I am sure.

Didn't ask him that, but that might be an option. I am looking at $ 550 trans + 400 install + 50 fluid + about 59 tax for a used one with a 90 day warranty. I would much rather have a reputable shop build it.

Ronnie Smith quoted around $1400 for a bench rebuild.

Pulling the trans should be pretty straightforward, not sure about getting it back in, though. On my sloped driveway it gets a little interesting.

We can trailer it out here if needed.. Let me know.

Lemme know, I'm down for some wrenching! I can drag Kayla with me and go load it up on Mike's trailer.

I managed to fix the CJ's steering last night so my trailer is empty, will fix the winch on the trailer and get the ZJ loaded up.

This would be _way_ easier on level ground so we'll run it out to Mike's slab (if that's agreeable to Mike) ASAP.

Sounds like a plan to me. Don't need the winch on the trailer, just another vehicle and a strap... pulls right on like a champ. Can't do it tonight, (got a new TV for the bedroom to put up, but have to move cloths first ) Friday night and Sat are clear as of now. Shouldn't take us but an hour or two to get it out and bet they can knock out a rebuild quick. Install will go quicker since all sockets and wrenches used will be on tool tray

Tony, give me a holler when you want to load up. I'm back on the cell again.

I think I'll probably put it on the trailer after work today just to have it ready, you're welcome to come over and critique.

I had b-ball practice for the boy at 5 pm that I didn't know about until 4 pm. Kinda threw a wrench in the works for the evening. Just now done with supper, and tippin back a few cold ones. See ya'll this weekend.

A little off topic but the way you guys throw a plan together and help each other out is amazing. Especially Mike, he seems to be the back bone of this group. Offering to help everyone with their rigs. I really appreciate Abilene and BCOR. Very family oriented. That being said I hope they dont PCS me somewhere else due to the J-Model C-130 coming this year. I am a H qualified loadmaster and will sure to get orders to make room for the new guys.

Mike = Helpasaurus. Every once in a great while he actually gets to work on his own rig. Think I've seen it once in 4 or 5 years.

I got the ramps set up behind the trailer, got the CJ into position, and was about to go in and get Mandy to help, but when I started up the ZJ and put it in gear it actually moved, so I just drove it onto the trailer. Hopefully it will do the same thing when it comes time to move it into position for surgery.

On a bonus note. Since trailer will be at Mike's and most of us will be at Mikes the XJ could begin the process of giving it's parts up to make the CJ better. Throw the scrap metal on your trailer so you can get rid of it. Will take a couple of trips since their is no title. XJ will have to be cut into sections. Fun Fun. I will bring the sawzall and wrecking blades. Did I mention I love the tear down process.

Thanks all, I am fortunate enough to have the space and tools so I try to share (within reason, have to have some time with the family )

Oh, now is as good a time as any, I am going to be pretty much forced to put a tip jar for filling the welder gas and ocy/acet bottles.. the prices have went up ALOT... thanks in advance.. just a few bucks would be plenty. I hate to ask and normally I keep them filled with help from others when they have big projects but the $74 refill on the welder hurt last time.

I think I missed the plan of the XJ/CJ morph. What parts are being scrounged? Are you parting out the XJ? May be able to get a few $ for doors, window glass, clip, etc. I go to SA often enough to facilitate getting stuff moved around the state. When is the fun starting? Tonight? Tomorrow? I volunteer to man the recip or torch! Can we burn something while we're at it? LOL

ZJ transmission is an unexpected side project, since daily-driving a long-bed crew cab in tight hospital area parking sucks.

The plan with the XJ is to take the entire wiring harness out intact, and transplant engine, computer, harness, and instruments into the CJ. I have a better body tub and a new blank dash. Probably use an XJ steering column (this one is hosed) and the XJ steering gearbox (so the PS lines fit) Might also use the XJ fuel tank or at least the sending unit.

The transmission and the transfer case (AW4 + NP231 that should stay together - 21 spline) will be saved, don't think anyone wants the axles (disco HP 30 / 35). I'm keeping the front driveshaft (my CJ uses an XJ front shaft since the front axle got pushed out a little). Interior will need to be looked at but it's probably largely screwed. Think all the power windows work, and the rear glass is out and intact. Since it was rolled, I am not really sure what body panels are straight, if any. Most of it will probably be quickly taken to Pine Street since I don't want to leave a vehicle carcass out at Mike's too long.

Fun starts in AM about 830-9.. I will be up early starting to clean up around what the wind has BLOWN around. Sam the burn barrel is set up and ready just for you Lots of trash etc blowing that is just asking to be burnt

I've got a kid's league b-ball game in the morning, but don't know what time yet. I'll be out immediately after.

F-ing game is at 12:00. Not enough time to be worth coming out before, plus this lovely weather. See ya'll about 1:30ish.

Well, the tranny is out (BIG thanks for everyone's help) and in the hands of Joe the transmission surgeon. Hopefully he'll be gentle with me. Through a long history, I have come to mentally translate "Transmission Rebuild" with the sound of the opening bars to "Dueling Banjos". Maybe this one will be a good 'un.

Good deal, keep us updated on the prognosis

Update:

Visited the patient in the shop today, the bottom of the pan had about 1/8" coating of red powder. Joe said it came from the torque converter. So, new torque converter, pump rebuild, some bushings here and there, all the friction material and about half the steels. Think some wiring, etc will be replaced too. Still don't have a price yet.

Any update? Are we putting a tranny in?

Unknown. I went by Wednedsay and the tech who had it apart wasn't there to give me a quote for approval. Just called 1/2 hour ago and they're supposed to be calling me back. Will update as soon as I have any info.

They just told me $1,495.00 for a bench rebuild. I can't touch that with a $#*(@#$&*($%@)& ten foot pole. Joe is not back until Monday. S#!t.

That sucks...

Talked to Joe this AM....

He wouldn't come down a dime on the price. I asked him to box it up and told him I would pay him for his time.

Either today or tomorrow I am picking up a tranny from a junkyard up in Graham, will do a fluid and filter change and pick up a new torque converter. Hopefully it'll last especially now that I am not towing with it.

Man that really sucks. That is rediculousssss. Hummm

Went to Graham and took advantage of Cash For Clunkers. Got a tranny out of a 1997 ZJ, shows to have 87K. Trans was $550, core charge $75, new torque converter $135, filter & gasket $7, 12 quarts synthetic juice $72. I am broke now but there should be no more nasty surprises.

Still have to find a cooler flush kit, can't have that garbage flowing into my new tranny. Anyone know where one can be had locally?

Let me check, may have a line on a flusher... May be busy Saturday though

The work to help get Katemcy open should take priority over my tranny, I ain't hurting.

Amanda may have my schedule spoken for as well on Saturday. If not, I will be with y'all welding a bridge.

We can start on it on Thursday and Friday night if you want, may be able to have it done. I am game, ya'll need to get what you can from me.. I start classes again here soon

I can help too, gonna start my welding classes too.

Sounds like a plan. TC arrives today, will head out there Thursday PM and see what we can knock out.

Why not just replace the cooler with a new bigger one and forget about it?

Suggested that to a couple trans shops during this process, both said the radiator cooler needed to be in series with an aftermarket cooler. I'm not really sure why.

The radiator cooler is nothing more than a coil of tube in the tank. I took brake clean and sprayed 2 cans through mine then blew it out with shop air. Could put a funnel and hose on and dump some fresh fluid into it, do it till it runs clean. My .02

Big John is coming to the rescue, he has a large system flush unit that uses air and causes vacuum so you don't have to worry about blowing out the cooler internally. He said he can swing out Thurs night, so it looks like we may be putting one in Man I am really liking the roof and tarps over the slab, prevents those bad weather hold days

Big John's DA MAN. Anybody know what his favorite beverage might be?

Haven't ever seen him partake of the adult type. He strikes me as a "something-and-Coke" guy.

I'd second that. Or the something on ice type.

We'd could start a pool. Whatdaya think Big John drinks? Post up your guess.

No one will win He doesn't partake at all. He will be there about 6 with evacuator in hand. Might need some cleaner/degreaser of some sort to suck through the lines/cooler... maybe some berryman's B12 Chem Tool liquid type or the like.