Upgrading to 97+ 4.0 from a renix, Question regarding Trans

[Steve88]

Hey everyone, I'm sure someone has asked this before and if so if someone knows the thread i would be very grateful.

Other wise what i am trying to determine is how difficult if possible is it to upgrade to the 97+ 4.0L with dash and everything but still being able to retain the drive line from the transmission down. Currently i have a renix 4.0 in my 88' comache which was converted to 4wd with a ax-15, transfercase(not sure which type), and axles that supposedly came from another comanche of the same year. It was 2wd with the puegot trans before the swap. I would really like to keep it a manual rather than changing it to the auto trans common in the newer cherokees. Alternatively is it reasonable to use the dash and drivetrain out of tj? I don't know if anyone has tried this or if its even possible to do. Anyone here have advice?

[Rockfrog]

The ax15 was the standard XJ 5spd until something like 2000. Then the NV3550 was used. In other words ... The ax15 you have now should likely work just fine behind a 97+ 4.0 ...

[Steve88]

Thanks

[Crash]

SInce you are converting the electronics also, you will need a late model flywheel. And possibly manual trans ECU, or have some flash it for you. 

[A-man930]

The pilot diameter on the early AX15s is different than the late ones, and Renix v.s. H.O. the hole in the crankshaft is a different size...so good luck finding an off the shelf pilot bearing or bushing!

 

I stumbled across someone on here who had and extra bushing custom made by a local machine shop when I did my H.O. swap.  This problem stalled the project for at least a week; prepare yourself.  

[shelbyluvv]

A TJ dash will be to narrow and the dash top will not follow the contour of the windshield. A XJ dash swap is practically a bolt in affair. It just takes some time. There is a 97+ swap write up in the DIY section.