School Me On The Ax15

[Jeep Driver]

I found a 98 Dakota in the PnP with a 4cyl and what looks like an AX15. It's a 2W so I'm only interested in the bell housing.

 

I assume it's an AX but Dakota also used a NV1500 and a NV3500, how will I know the difference? will the bell be the same regardless?

Can I assume the shifter will be in the same location? Will the drive shaft need to be cut down?

 

What advantage would I have with the AX15 behind a 2.5, or is there an advantage?

 

I have a newer AX5 on the shelf waiting to go in.

 

A have priced around and they seem to be around $700-$800........that alone may stop me.

 

What say you?

 

Thanks

[onlyinajeep726]

The AX15 and NV3500 bellhousing is the exact same behind the 4.0L.  I would assume if they used the same tranny combos in the Dakota behind the 2.5L, those too would also be the same.  Not sure about the NV1500...  But I'd grab the bellhousing at very least.  The AX15 is 20x better than the AX5.  It can take far more abuse than the AX5.  One problem with the AX5 is the 5th gear likes to crap out after it gets some mileage.  You can always get a 4WD version of the AX15 later if you want to convert/retain 4WD on your MJ and you'd already have the Dakota bellhousing.

[Jeep Driver]

Thanks for the reply.

I'll see if it's still there this week.