Topic: How is the automatic 4 banger

[keithert]

Before my SE I had a Tracker with an automatic transmission.  I didn't find the automatic to be a problem.  But the Tracker didn't have trouble going 65 in the wind like the Jeep does.  With my SE I leave it in fourth when it's windy and it does okay.  My question is how does the 4 cylinder Jeep do with an automatic?  My fear is that at higher speeds it would be constantly locking and unlocking the torque converter or downshifting. 

[jcsanders79]

Mine does fine but it is modified, but I don't remember having a problem before. 

[jagular7]

I would think it all depends on the vehicle being taken care of or not.

I purchased a 97 4cyl/auto sight unseen. It was anemic stock with the 225's. But it really depends on what you are going to use it for. I don't drive mine daily and its mostly used for trailriding. That works for me.

[Jesse-James]

The only problem I've had with mine was caused by my own stupidity (Forgot that it was a Jeep, not a boat).

[Jeeper736]

Mine has the automatic.  Before I did the 4.0 TB swap, open air cleaner and TB spacer it was absolutely terrible.  My previous rig was a 4.0 XJ with some engine mods and the YJ was a serious downgrade performance wise.  Since I did those additions it is better but still no speed demon.  65+ on the freeway is only going to happen if there is no wind and it still requires the pedal to the floor.  The auto also makes gas milage drop like Brittnay Spears' panties at a club.  I get like 13 with the auto if I baby it, the stick YJ got about 17. 

I plan to do the Hesco cam and an aftermarket exhaust and see what happens, I hope it makes it at least liveable.  If not, I will likely look for a 4.0 YJ.  If I had it to over again, I wouldn't get an auto, but the price was WAY right, so I couldn't pass it up.  I have considered swapping to a manual because I don't think it would be all that difficult to do and a 4 banger with the stick is WAY better.......Thats what my other YJ was.  With no mods, the stick would run cirlcles around the auto.

In the autos defense, I do have 30" tires on it (as opposed to the stockers) so that has some ill effect on performance.

[dexetr30]

Mines OK. Could be a bit better though. It would have been nice if they put the 4.10's in the auto trans models like they did with the manual trans. Really my only gripe is with the torque converters stall speed. I can't find an after market converter to replace it anywhere.

[lanulos89]

mine does pretty good with 31's and 4.10s, it will hit 70 on most days, and on the days when itdoesnt the wqinds are pretty bad, and will make the jeep wander anyways.  id much rather a 5 spd tho not gonna lie, gas mileage is so much better

[gomi]

mine is not bad with 31's. could always be better, but what can't.