99 Cherokee, 140,000 miles first trans filter change, Is it ok to do?

[WH23G3G]

I've got a tune-up coming up on my 99 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4.0L with 140,000 miles. It's always had plugs,wires,cap, roto, air filter, oil, transmission fluid, and rear axle fluid changed every 30,000 miles during the tune-up. The antifreeze is also done every 30,000 miles, right on the number. The regular oil changes are always meticulously done right at 3,000 miles and since the transmission fluid is so easy to drain and refill, I usually drain it every 6,000 miles. It takes about 3.50-4.00 qts, and total refill is 9 qts. I've never pulled the pan and changed the filter and pan gasket. I've looked at the filters and it appears to be nothing more than a metal screen, so I was told just drain it and refill it. This is the best car I've ever owned. With 140,000 miles on it, it's been in the shop once for the oil filter mounting gasket and I also replaced the front crank seal and timing cover gasket. It's a lot stronger and faster than it's made out to be. We had the speedometer buried on it and had half a gas pedal left, so it had to be doing at least 120mph. The transmission still shifts just as crisp and smooth as the first day I drove it home. It wouldn't affect the transmission would it, if the filter is changed, since that just catches debris? Would you recommend continue just draining the fluid as I have been or to pull the pan and change the filter? 

[Schuler]

I've got 137,000 on my 97 and have yet to pull the transmission pan. Just like yours, it shifts perfectly and has never caused me any problems. I don't see any reason to do it personally. And I haven't changed mine every 6,000. It had 93,000 on it when I got it and I've changed the trans fluid 2 or 3 times. They definetly take a beating and keep on going. 50+ dragstrip passes, plenty of offroading. Stuck in 4' of water, towing the boat hundreds of times, ect. The Aisin AW4 transmission is almost identical as the one used in twin turbo supras from what I understand.

[Dans 68]

Guys,

My '90 4.0L Cherokee has about 190,000 miles, and has had the filter changed per the suggested schedule for the first 150,000 miles; not a problem or complaint with the transmission. Since then the filter has not been changed once (please don't ask), and still no problems. So the moral of this story is that these transmissions are pretty much bullet proof. Overall a good rig to own.

[dodge freak]

My trans guy said if the fluid is over 10 years old and never has been changed its a 50/50 chance there could be a problem in a few months afterwards. He did not say anything about millage.

[Chryco Psycho]

it wont hurt to drop the pan & clean or change the filter

[deathcharger71]

my 94 grand cherokee with the 4.0 had the tranny go out at 120,000 miles. i think it was the planetary gear?? at least thats what the guy said. from a dead stop if i stomped on the gay it would grind like crazy. then i put a 6'' lift on it and sold it a year later....lost a lot of money on that car lol but my next car is definitely going to be a cherokee 5 speed with the 4.0. anybody seen the superchargers made for the 4.0? my plan for the far future is a 4.0 cherokee 5 speed, 6'' long arm lift with 35'' tires locked in the rear with 4.56 gears. sure will be fun putting it in 4x4 and launching past a mustang off the line

[miller]

not to hijack the thread but just quickly, what do you guys get for gas mileage on the Cherokee, particularly the 97+... I'm getting 14 and 20 which i think it should get better then...

[deathcharger71]

i got about 18 towing a waverunner at 65 mph, 14-20 sounds about right.

[Wakko]

The problem with changing it now is that the fresh detergents in the new fluid could dislodge some of the gunk in the tranny and cause a problem.  If you DO decide to change it, change it and then change it again.  You may want to consider doing one of the pressure fluid changes (does all eight quarts) to get it all out.