How-to: The Automatic Transmission Workshop

     Automatic transmissions have been a Jeep option since the early 1960s. Gladiator and early Wagoneer models were among the first 4x4 trucks in the U.S. to offer automatics. A half-century later, the modern automatic transmission has become a mainstay for 4WD vehicles used both on- and off-highway.

     Want to do your own Jeep 4WD or Dodge Ram truck repairs, troubleshooting and upgrades? The workshops offer technical 'how-to' projects, valuable troubleshooting tips plus a variety of upgrade product installations. See the 'how-to' articles, videos and instructional tips on the following pages!

     Over the years, Jeep 4WD vehicles have used Borg-Warner, G.M., Chrysler and Aisin-Warner automatic transmissions. Today, energy efficient automatic transmissions are found in every kind of 4WD vehicle, from all-season grocery grabbers to desert racers, rock crawlers and recreational trail runners. Any stigma about automatic transmissions and back country travel has vanished!

     This section of the magazine is devoted to automatic transmission work. Above my computer, a framed diploma reads, "Automatic Transmission Specialist...September 15, 1969". More than a decade before earning my bachelor's degree from the University of Oregon, I was a light and medium duty truck mechanic with a keen interest in manual and automatic transmission technology.

     Since 1969, I have rebuilt and restored both modern and vintage automatic transmissions, including the original Chrysler iron and aluminum Torqueflites, Buick's Dynaflow, the various Hydramatics and the iron Borg-Warner units used in Ford, Jeep, I-H and Studebaker trucks. I am versed at current transmission designs and electronically controlled, five- and six-speed automatics used in trucks and Jeep 4WDs.

     If you need information or want insight into Jeep 4WD, Dodge truck or Ram transmissions—manual or automatic designs—see topics listed at the 4WD Mechanix Magazine 'Content Menu'...