TH400 problems/question

[JeepDaddy]

At hunting camp last fall, with 4 guys (@ 200 lbs ea) in my CJ7, I climbed a pretty good hill before the engine had a chance to warm up at all (the temp was about 20 deg F). It seemed like the tranny was slipping in 1st gear/low range. It could have been tires slipping with that much weight, but that might be wishfull thinking. I haven't driven it since then until I moved it out of the garage last weekend. It took several seconds after I shifted into drive before the tranny engaged.

Other than those two times, it hasn't had any signs of trouble. I have changed the fluid and filter about 3000 miles ago.

What are the signs of tranny rebuild time? Anyone else experience this?

[ January 21, 2003, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: JeepDaddy ]

[JeepDaddy]

Now that I think about it, it doesn't make sense for it to slip in low range (a lot less stress on the tranny), but be OK in high range. Maybe it is just a temperature thing. I have always warmed it up more before driving it, but I didn't want to scare the deer.

[Bob Barry]

It could be a weak pump causing low pressure, leading to slippage.

If it drives fine now, though, it may have just been your impression. Low-range usually drives like a slipping tranny.

[LRRH]

I had the same problem, but with 2nd gear when it was REAL cold here. I usually don't drive the 70 much in the winter but had done so a month ago. the tranny was REALLY sluggish and wouldn't shift into 3rd until it was warmed up good. Then, it was just like normal. I think it was about 10-F that day.