After transmission rebuild - Jeep runs like new!

[Theodore]

Hey, all - it has been a while. Had to put the project on hold for a few weeks to save money for a transmission rebuild. Turns out the trip over the mountain back in November to get a Christmas tree, appeared to have blown out transmission seals, such that it went from leaking a quarter-sized drop in the driveway to bleeding like crazy.

So, rather than moving forward with suspension changes to return the Wagoneer to stock height, we are working to getting rid of leaks.

Previously, we had used a local Jeep shop that had done a lot of work for the previous owner, including the installation of the engine and fuel injection kit. We continued to use the shop due to the history, but decided to change shops after the Wagoneer returned after a rear-end rebuild there, with one of the differential cover bolts broken off, and the shop would not stand by the work.

Our new shop is more of a traditional garage, and is one of few shops in the area that rebuilds transmissions on site, not to mention my brother works there, so I feel I can trust the work. While doing the transmission work, they found a few additional issues that gave us pause, such that we definitely will not be using the local Jeep shop anymore...
1. There were only 2 bolts holding the transmission to the block; 4 were missing...
2. Kick down cable was connected, but not adjusted correctly. We had not driven enough on the highway to figure out there was no passing gear.
3. Rpms for gear changes were not calibrated correctly... Was changing from 1st to 2nd at 15mph and 2nd to 3rd at 25mph. Had noticed sluggishness, but had not noticed the gear changes were off.

Now that the transmission is rebuilt - it is like a new vehicle! Could not believe the difference it made.

Old Jeep ownership is definitely a learning experience - thanks for all the help/advice here. As we had mentioned before, we mainly got the Wagoneer due to its no-rust body, and thought we would go thru things as we needed to.

Next on the list is:
- power steering gearbox is leaking
- Dynamat installed as we go
- Headliner, visor & overhead console restoration - they are out now - want it back in before it gets damaged sitting around the garage
- Suspension returned to stock from 3in lift
- Tires

[tgreese]

Woohoo!

[will e]

That's great news. It's always awesome when you get something major done and there is a noticeable difference. These old three speed auto are good transmissions and it should last a long time if you take care of it, keep the temps down and change the fluid.

Oh, that reminds me... when was the last time I changed my fluid? haha. I run a 727 and put a slightly deeper pan in it and added a drain plug. I should put all of that to good use.

[flashgordon]

“3. Rpms for gear changes were not calibrated correctly... Was changing from 1st to 2nd at 15mph and 2nd to 3rd at 25mph. Had noticed sluggishness, but had not noticed the gear changes were off.“


Depending on the gear/axle ratio 3.31 or 2.73:

At what RPM or at what SPEED should the 727 transmission (stock rims/wheels size) in our Grand Wagoneer
change from 1st to 2nd and then to 3rd?

[dodgerammit]

“3. Rpms for gear changes were not calibrated correctly... Was changing from 1st to 2nd at 15mph and 2nd to 3rd at 25mph. Had noticed sluggishness, but had not noticed the gear changes were off.“


Depending on the gear/axle ratio 3.31 or 2.73:

At what RPM or at what SPEED should the 727 transmission (stock rims/wheels size) in our Grand Wagoneer
change from 1st to 2nd and then to 3rd?

Mine is 2.73s and it changes sooner than that. Like 10 mph and 20 mph. Barely can feel it change. Very soft shifts.

A good shift kit would make it firmer along with adjusting shift points for power on rural road hills, but isn't high on my to-do list.