32RH seems to have lost 3rd and reverse gears

[MoneyPit89]

So like five years ago, when I bought my 97 TJ 4.0 and drove it home for the first time, I had to inform my husband the tranny felt like it was slipping. Fast forward couple years, keep in mind that we didn't drive it very much at all. Not till the rear end went out on the daily driven Ram. A few months later, the problem showed up. First my reverse went out and then 3rd gear went out. So my question is, who can give me some ideas as to what the problem or problems could be? It's the 32rh 3 speed tranny, I believe. I've already bought the rebuild kit and dropped the tranny by my damn self, which is a first for me. Its supposed to be going to the transmission shop in the morning. I just wanted to see if I was missing/over-thinking something before I fork out the cash.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Did you ever properly check the transmission's ATF level with the transmission's dipstick? As in with the engine running and the transmission in Neutral? A low ATF level can cause those exact problems.

If the engine isn't running or if the transmission is in Park the dipstick will incorrectly indicate the ATF level is significantly higher than it really is.

 

[ErikOffroad]

I’m trying to remember back to transmission class but there is like 2 clutches and a band inside the transmission. The second clutch I think needs to engage for reverse and third. It’s possible you smoked it.

 

[MoneyPit89]

Did you ever properly check the transmission's ATF level with the transmission's dipstick? As in with the engine running and the transmission in Neutral? A low ATF level can cause those exact problems.

If the engine isn't running or if the transmission is in Park the dipstick will incorrectly indicate the ATF level is significantly higher than it really is.

Yes, I've properly checked the transmission fluid. I dropped it off at the tranny shop an hour ago.

 

[MoneyPit89]

I’m trying to remember back to transmission class but there is like 2 clutches and a band inside the transmission. The second clutch I think needs to engage for reverse and third. It’s possible you smoked it.

I believe your right about 3rd and reverse being smoked and then some. There was a lot of metal shit in the pan when I dropped it. Now I dont know a lot about the inside workings of transmissions, but I try to educate myself some. I did drop the entire thing by myself. I do all the work it gets done, inside and out. Except the inside of the tranny, which I just dropped it off at the shop.

 

[ErikOffroad]

You can download the dealer service manual pdf on this forum. It has a ton of information. It will go into the transmission in excellent detail if you want to learn about it.

 

[Chris]

Jeep Wrangler TJ Factory Service Manuals (FSM) & Technical Documentation

 

[Chris]

Let us know what the shop says. I think this probably is one of those things you should take it into a shop for.