Guys, I need your advice! I’m close to finally giving up on my beloved JK...
Some history: I bought the Jeep new in 2008 (2-Dr Sahara Petrol), did the usually 2” lift and 33” wheels. Added Fox shocks. Besides the death wobble that needed sorting every few years, all went well until about 2019, when the transmission imploded without any warning (literally) and had to be fully rebuilt (was towing trailer with dirtbikes at the time). Added a cooler for the ATF. Then in 2021 it overheated again (despite all fluid levels being OK) - again driving on a national highway, not towing - and I had to get back to civilisation in limp mode. Another full rebuild, and this time we added an improved ATF cooler in front of the radiator.
By now I was only using it to go to the mall, and even that was too much for it: Gearbox is out again now (June 2022) due to knocking sounds, this time it’s the Torque Converter, which seemingly was not replaced in previous repairs.
Now I’m reluctant to even use it around town let alone long distance.
Is it time to just give up? I’m hemorrhaging money...

 

I always find international posts thought-provoking, though a bit harder for us North American guys to relate to. It's easier to know what the market here in the states is like for something like your jeep, and I have to think it's a lot larger than there in South Africa. Here it would be an attractive candidate for a V8 and tranny for someone. I think you have a tough situation, especially since it sounds like it is an extra vehicle. If it was a DD I think you'd have to weigh the money invested in a repair vs. the expense of buying a different vehicle. If it is just a "toy" or extra car that is a lot harder to justify. How much money would the projected "fix" be?

 

How hard are you driving it?? 60mph with a small trailer sounds about right. Also the gear ratio should be 3.73 or 4.10 with the 33" tires otherwise you are working that tranny. Those 4 speed autos were garbage at best. The 5 speeds can be made tough. I would say your last repair was because the shop did not replace the TC as they are great at storing garbage from failed trannys so should always be replaced.

 

Sadly it's my DD... so options are a bit limited. Still just under 90 000 miles. Sadly, in South Africa we have to contend with the financial exchange rate, so imported parts are crazy expensive compared to the cost in the States. 🙄
It's still in surgery, the new Torque Converter "helped" with the knocking noise, but didn't get rid of it, so now they're investigating the pressure plate. Luckily no debris in the ATF when drained, which is good since the trannie was rebuilt 6 months ago. I'm still clinging to the hope that the trannie is OK!

 

Thanks Sixty4x4 ... maybe the gear ratio is the issue. Anyhow, they're poking around as we speak, I'm holding thumbs the solution is simple.