SR4 Transmission

[Allstar]

I just purchased my first Jeep. It is a 1981 CJ7 w/AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and the SR4 Transmission . The SR4 has reverse where 1st gear normally is,(top left). Evidently you are supposed to push down on the shifter to be able to place it in reverse. I was having problems getting it into 1st, as it wants to go in reverse. The mechanism in the shifter that stops you from putting it in reverse, without pushing down, is completely worn down. Has anyone had this problem and what is the best way to fix. I can't find a new replacement to purchase. I am thinking that a used one, more than likely, is going to be worn down as well. Can a Transmission guy fix this???

I am not going to upgrade the Transmission at this time, so i need a fix. Any suggestion would be appreciated greatly.

 

[kryptonitecj8]

Don't put any money in SR4 there worth less.

 

[reptile610]

I just purchased my first Jeep. It is a 1981 CJ7 w/AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l and the SR4 Transmission . The SR4 has reverse where 1st gear normally is,(top left). Evidently you are supposed to push down on the shifter to be able to place it in reverse. I was having problems getting it into 1st, as it wants to go in reverse. The mechanism in the shifter that stops you from putting it in reverse, without pushing down, is completely worn down. Has anyone had this problem and what is the best way to fix. I can't find a new replacement to purchase. I am thinking that a used one, more than likely, is going to be worn down as well. Can a Transmission guy fix this???

I am not going to upgrade the Transmission at this time, so i need a fix. Any suggestion would be appreciated greatly.

i'm running an SR4 in my 82 with the 4 cyl and i don't have a problem with it, of course mine is just a streeter right now with alot more problems to worry about than the Transmission . all i've done with mine was replace the clutch but like it has already been said they're garbage transmissions.

The Borg-Warner SR4 Jeep Transmission - Novak Conversions

spend the $$ if you want but with a I6 i'd go find a T-176 for it.

 

[cass]

i would try another shifter handle on it and see if that works. i replaced my SR4 with a T-4 . it has held up very well. try the cheap fix first. dont wast money if you dont have to

 

[derf]

Rebuilding a Transmission is a significant chunk of money. Living with the problem long enough to take that money and a little more so you can upgrade is a good idea. Repairing the SR4 is just a band aid. It'll last for a while but you'll be fixing it again.

That being said, if you really need to have the Transmission working right, any Transmission shop should be able to rebuild it for you. Replacing the shifter may work but more likely there's problems inside the Transmission that need to be addressed soon.

Depending on the cost, it may be the same price to find a good working used T-4 out of another Jeep and swap it in. I believe you can swap a T-4 for a SR4 keeping the same bellhousing. The Transfer Case will also bolt up with no modification.

 

[Kirbot]

Depending on the cost, it may be the same price to find a good working used T-4 out of another Jeep and swap it in. I believe you can swap a T-4 for a SR4 keeping the same bellhousing. The Transfer Case will also bolt up with no modification.

/\/\What derf said
The T-4 isn't much of a Transmission either, but it's miles ahead of the SR4

Shouldn't cost you much to find one, since a lot of people swap them out for heavier transmissions too.

I've got one sitting in the garage now, since I swapped it out for a T-18 , but it would need to be rebuilt before using it in anything.

 

[Allstar]

Thanks to everyone for the advise. I'll try a cheap fix now and maybe do a swap in the winter.