Feedback on Auto trannys (BJ74)

[Joe70]

I am considering replacing my 5 speed with an auto. I'm wondering if anyone can offer any of their experience with the auto. How are they on the trail? I've heard they are better on the highway. How about fuel consumption? How reliable? How much to replace in the worst case scenario?

 

[crushers]

you don't want to know the replacemnt costs but then a new 5 speed isn't cheap either...
a lot of guys have turned to autos, no 3rd foot needed when stopped on a hill.
you can still shift manually if desired
excellent gering
copletely sealed unit if you take care of the dipstick
no sensitve pedal syndrom
since it has a lock up torque convertor the fuel milage is very similar to the manual (with in 1-2 mpg)
once you drive one for a while you will get to like it...a lot.
anyway, you have a complete 5 speed setup sitting right there shoudl you decide to change over...

personally if i was looking for a cheap 74 i would look at Rob' F, i have drivin it and it seems like a nice tight unit...

 

[Joe70]

I know Wayne can pretty much speak for everyone, but, any other feedback? I thought there were more autos out there then this.

 

[Urbancarrot]

Sorry, I have the 5-speed....

I think Kevin from 4 Wheel Auto has an auto....

Todd

 

[2rivers]

We had a auto bj74 and we liked it very much - and really regret selling it to the point where we are now looking to get another one. I never have drove a 5 spd bj74 but have with HJ61 and it is same tranny. I think if you change the auto fluid regularly, and dont tow a lot, it is a near-bullet prrof tranny. I know a guy who had a HJ61 auto trans rebuilt - but he did the t-case at same time and the bill was near $6000.00. The one annoying thing about this auto tranny is the 80 km/hr "kick-down" around town, but otherwise is it very smooth and like Wayne says we got exceptinal fuel mileage in our BJ74. Flame away, but with RHD I like this auto over 5 spd any day. LHD different story though...

 

[lshobie]

I like the auto better than the 5 speed for all the reasons above and a few extra, no clutch to get wet in the water, no clutch to replace, and because I drive long distances I like the auto because it doesn't rev as high as the 5 speed - so you can get a better top speed at lower rpm.

I also find them better off road.

I'm rebuilding an HZJ right now - the 5 speed will be pitched and replaced with an auto this summer.

 

[Whistler74]

I've got an auto BJ74 with a total of 150,000km - 50,000 by me. I wouldn't expect any major problems in that time, and I haven't had any. Not the smoothest auto, but certainly easier to drive around town and off road. I wish the lockup was a bit slower, but it must help the mileage as I seem to get about the same as I hear from 5 speeds (23-26 mpg imperial)