AW4 Bellhousing Spacer Plate and Dust Shield, Jeep Cherokee XJ

On a high-mileage Jeep Cherokee XJ with the 4.0L inline six and the AW4 automatic, the thin steel plates between the engine and transmission are often the most rusted parts on the drivetrain. This two-piece set replaces both: the upper engine-to-transmission spacer plate and the lower bellhousing inspection cover, or dust shield, for 1991-2001 XJs. It cross-references OE numbers 53004907AB, 501890 and 52118078. Buyers usually find it after pulling an AW4 for a rebuild or a front seal and seeing the old plate crumble, or after noticing the lower cover is missing and the flexplate is packed with mud.

What the spacer plate and dust shield do on an AW4

The upper plate is sandwiched between the back of the 4.0L block and the front of the AW4 bellhousing. It sits on the same dowels and bolts that line the transmission up with the crankshaft, so its condition affects how squarely the transmission and converter sit against the engine. The lower dust shield closes the opening under the bellhousing where the flexplate and torque converter spin. It keeps water, mud, road salt and gravel out of that space and keeps debris away from the starter teeth and ring gear on the flexplate.

Symptoms of rotted or missing plates

• Plates flaking apart at the edges and around the bolt holes, visible from under the truck at the bottom of the bellhousing.
• Mud, rust flakes or water packed around the flexplate and converter.
• A front pump seal on the AW4 that keeps leaking after replacement. Misalignment between engine and transmission is one cause to rule out before blaming the seal or bushing again.
• A starter that grinds or does not engage cleanly with the flexplate.
• A rattle or buzz from the bottom of the bellhousing at idle, from a loose or broken lower cover.

How to confirm before you buy

Look up at the bottom of the bellhousing with a light. If the lower cover is missing or rusted through, that is visible right away. The upper plate can only be judged at its exposed edge and its bolt holes with the transmission in place, so it is usually confirmed once the AW4 is out. If a front seal is what brought you here, check the converter hub and pump bushing too; our guide on converter hub and pump bushing wear explains why a worn bushing destroys new seals. For leaks and shifting faults on this transmission, the AW4 rebuild parts guide is a good starting point.

Fitment

This set is listed for the AW4 four-speed automatic behind the 4.0L inline six in 1991-2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. It is not for manual-transmission XJs, which use a different bellhousing, and the listing does not cover the 2.5L four-cylinder or earlier Renix-era trucks. Match your old plates against the photos and compare the OE numbers 53004907AB, 501890 and 52118078 if they are still readable. If you are unsure, send us the year and VIN and we will confirm it. Other parts for this transmission are in our Aisin transmission parts section.

Install notes

• The lower dust shield bolts on from under the truck and can be changed with the transmission in place.
• The upper spacer plate requires removing the AW4, because it is clamped between the engine and bellhousing. That is why it makes sense to install it any time the transmission is out for a rebuild, a front pump seal or a converter.
• Clean the engine and bellhousing faces and dowels so the plate sits flat. Make sure the converter is fully engaged in the pump before bolting the transmission up, and torque the bellhousing bolts evenly.
• With the transmission out, a front seal and new filter are inexpensive additions. If the AW4 is being rebuilt, the AW4 overhaul kit covers seals, gaskets and frictions, and a transmission cooler helps the rebuilt unit live longer in a hard-working XJ.
• Refill with the ATF your owner's manual specifies for the AW4, Dexron- or Mercon-type fluid, and check the level hot in park.

Both plates are steel with an electrocoat finish on both sides, so they resist the corrosion that killed the originals.

Do I have to pull the transmission to install this?

Only for the upper spacer plate, which is clamped between the engine and bellhousing. The lower dust shield bolts on from underneath with the AW4 in place.

Will it fit a manual-transmission Cherokee?

No. This set is for the AW4 automatic behind the 4.0L. Manual XJs use a different bellhousing and plate.

Can a rusted spacer plate really cause leaks?

A rotted plate can let the transmission sit out of line with the block. Misalignment loads the converter hub against the front pump seal and bushing, which can cause repeat front seal leaks.

What should I replace while the AW4 is out?

The front pump seal is the usual addition, along with a filter and pan gasket. Inspect the converter hub and pump bushing, and if the transmission is due, an overhaul kit covers the internal seals and frictions.

Which fluid does the AW4 use?

Use the ATF your owner's manual lists for the AW4, which is a Dexron- or Mercon-type fluid. Check the level hot with the engine running in park.

• Converter Hub and Pump Bushing Wear