benjy_26 Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 Hello all. Like a lot of folks on here, I've been contemplating a 4wd swap in my 'Manche. Initially, I wanted to perform a straightforward AX4-AX5 swap. My plan was to rebuild the AX5, keep the 4 banger, not go above 31's, and drive like a granmpa (I usually do, anyway). This should give me at least a few years of use. Unfortunately, the AX5's are extremely rara around here. Apparently, nobody in West Texas ever liked the 2.5 Jeeps. I did get my paws on a Dakota bellhousing for the AX15 conversion, and am currently hunting down a 5 speed out of an XJ. I HAVE found a few YJ and TJ AX's, so that may be an option, after some mods. My question is, what do I need, aside from the tranny, clutch, and bellhousing, to perform the swap? Also, if I'm using a bellhousing from a 2.5 Dakota and an AX15, why do I need a clutch out of an 84 Camaro with a 4 banger? Couldnt I just use a Dakota clutch?
mnkyboy Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 IIRC the splines on the input shaft are different on the Dakota trans so the clutch won't swap. You will also need to figure out a pilot bearing but thats gonna depend on what AX15 you end up with. I wouldnt pass on a good wrangler AX15, you can either run it clocked up or spend 20 minutes and reclock it.
benjy_26 Posted March 30, 2014 Author Posted March 30, 2014 Cool. Does the Wrangler T case hang lower than the XJ/MJ?
mnkyboy Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 It is higher then an MJ/XJ. The transmissions are the same though, the difference is which set of holes got drilled. Everything should be there for the other clocking, just need to drill the holes.
benjy_26 Posted March 30, 2014 Author Posted March 30, 2014 Heck, if it sits higher, I don't mind modding my floor pan. All in the name of clearance!
mnkyboy Posted March 30, 2014 Posted March 30, 2014 Theres a few guys here that run them with wrangler clocking.
mvusse Posted March 31, 2014 Posted March 31, 2014 You may want to think about gearing, or never use OD. 5th gear in an AX5 is a mild 0.85:1 whereas the AX15 has a 5th gear ratio of 0.79:1. A 4 cylinder with stock gearing will have trouble with that ratio. Add bigger tires and it will only be usable when heading downhill. Or swap gears and countershaft from a Toyota R151 into the AX15. Little deeper 1st gear, 0.83 5th gear. 2nd through 4th and reverse are the same.
mnkyboy Posted March 31, 2014 Posted March 31, 2014 Problem is finding an affordable R151, around here if you can find one they go for around $800.
mnkyboy Posted March 31, 2014 Posted March 31, 2014 Another thing to consider is the Dakota bellhousing is setup for an external slave, if you end up with a pre 94 internal slave AX15 you will also need a new front bearing retainer to convert the trans to external slave. They are about $90 unless you can find a used one.
benjy_26 Posted April 1, 2014 Author Posted April 1, 2014 Ah... interesting. I'm going to have to start compiling a list if parts.
Bornindesert Posted April 4, 2014 Posted April 4, 2014 Would a 95 AX15 XJ be a good donar for the 1988 2.5L AX4 swap? Like the OP, just picked up a Dakato bell housing for the beginnings of a tranny upgrade. Also, why not just use the Jeep XJ clutch, pressure plate and flywheel if the AX15 is from an XJ? Do they not mate up with the 2.5L tailstock?
mnkyboy Posted April 4, 2014 Posted April 4, 2014 That would be a good trans to use, the 4.0l XJ clutch parts won't work with the 2.5l.
benjy_26 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Posted April 7, 2014 I think the actual clutch is too big to fit inside thr Dakota bellhousing.
Pete M Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 don't forget the AX-15 crossmember. If memory serves me, it's the one that's different from the rest. :dunno:
benjy_26 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Posted April 7, 2014 Interesting, ^^^ I never thought the C-member would be different. You know what happens when you assume! Y'all think the AX4 and AX5 crossmembers are different?
mjeff87 Posted April 7, 2014 Posted April 7, 2014 Yes, they are. You will also need the shift linkage parts from the AX15 donor.....the part that attaches to the tranny tunnel, the bracket that attaches to the tranny, and the rod that attaches to the mode lever on the TC. All of these are specific to the AX15. Jeff
benjy_26 Posted April 7, 2014 Author Posted April 7, 2014 Sorry, I hijacked my own thread. Is the AX 4 crossmember the same as thr AX 5's?
Pete M Posted April 8, 2014 Posted April 8, 2014 within the same year/model, the AX-4 and AX-5 are identical in every way except for the 5th gear. and a 5 added to the stickshift knob :D
benjy_26 Posted April 8, 2014 Author Posted April 8, 2014 Ok, so, out of curiosity, what's the best year for AX5's? Is there a breakdown of changes out therr somewhere?
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