4spd swap to 5spd

[13 Legion]

I have an 87 2.5 4spd rwd. The 4spd needs to be rebuilt. It shifts but while in 4th gear you can't downshift to third. Just a quirk I deal with while driving. Other than that shifts fine through all gears. Now since the trans needs to be pulled is there any advantage to put a 5spd in its place. This isn't a 4x4 off-road Jeep,just an occasional driver. The reason I ask is I may be able to get a 5spd for a decent price. Are there any benefits at all of a 5spd over a 4 spd in my case?

[88whitemanche]

Just mainly the overdrive option...

If your staying stock height and tires overdrive will help out a lot for fuel economy if you have the 4.10 rear axle...

You may have the 3.55 gear ratio axle...some say it's decent some say they don't notice the difference...

[Pete M]

there isn't any reason to not go with an AX-5 if there's one available.  worst case is that you don't use 5th.  I assume this 5spd is also from a 2.5/2.8 Jeep?

[13 Legion]

Yes it would be from a 2.5.

[Eagle]

I would certainly go for the 5-speed. You won't be able to use 5th gear for much of anything except highway cruise on level terrain, but it won't hurt anything to have it in there.

[Pete M]

what year is the 5spd?  it might have the external slave which is a  nice upgrade. :D