Why did Chrysler use the AW4?

Don't get me wrong...I'm very glad they did! I was just curious as to why they used the AW4 in the Cherokees, instead of one of their crappy transmissions, like the 42RE in the Grand. Anyone know?

Chrysler didn't chose to put the AW4 in the Cherokee. When AMC designed the Cherokee they picked the AW4 as its auto trans. My own guess is then after the merger, AMC engineers held their ground on the AW4.

Also, Some early Grands with the 4.0l had the AW4 as the Grand was to be the Cherokee replacement.

--Matt

compared to other chrysler transmission reliability, why not?

This is true. Had a 46RE in my Ram...I think it had an identity crisis. It never knew which gear it really wanted to be in.