how to check a transmission that is not in a vehicle...

[61scout80]

So, with my recent bad luck purchasing parts and vehicles, I found a used ax5 locally for cheap. its already pulled from the cherokee, how can i check it to be sure its in good shape? I'm going to look at it and take it home as long as it seams good.

[POSXJGuy]

how many miles on it? can the seller verify with an odometer? really cant tell unless you install it and use it. other than taking it apart and inspecting each thing for wear really.

best thing is to see how it drives, then decide to buy it or not. otherwise you are looking at potential problems and you may as well do work on it while its out before you install it.

i dont trust anyone about transmissions unless i have driven it myself and know that it had fluids changed and is running smooth. anything else could be someone wanting to just get it off their property.

one check just for kicks, look inside at the fluid fill hole and stick a finger in and see what color the fluid is. if its cooked, pass on it. drain the fluid as well if he'll let you and if there are metal shavings like heck on the drain plug magnet, run the opposite way.

[61scout80]

I'll have to ask about mileage and resoning for removing it, and its a 5 speed to clarify. thanks for your input.

[XJoshua]

When I went transmission shopping on my Cressida, I was told just to shift gears(with it removed, no clutch), and if nothing jams or makes a weird sound theres a 60% chance that itll be fine after install. Not good odd, but in my case it worked.

[POSXJGuy]

my favorite xj's for parts are those that had engine or cab fires. at least you know it was probably running at the time.

[61scout80]

my favorite xj's for parts are those that had engine or cab fires. at least you know it was probably running at the time.

thats a trick my dad taught me a long time ago in a junk yard. always look for the obvious damage, chances are it will have good parts. example: a smashed car was probable running at the time. a complete perfect body car is there for some reason....

[matt99362]

put it in gear and turn the input shaft a few times in each gear. If it doesn't jam up or make obvious strange noises you probably will have an okay tranny there.
With an auto it's much harder as I have learned the hard way. Even checking the fluid isn't a great way as anyone trying to sell a bad tranny has probably already changed the fluid.

[61scout80]

put it in gear and turn the input shaft a few times in each gear. If it doesn't jam up or make obvious strange noises you probably will have an okay tranny there.
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thanks, but one more question. should i rotate it clock wise, counter clock wise, both, or doesn't matter?