Converting 2wd transmission

[kook911]

Just making sure I can do this. I currently have a ba10 4x4. I found a ax-15 but it is a 2wd transmission. Can I just take the transfer case off mine and put it on the ax-15? Or is there more involved that I am missing.

[Big Dan]

No, you will need a 4wd transmission.  The 2wd and 4wd versions are different.

[87MJTIM]

What Big Dan said.

 

The 2wd doesn't allow a tcase to bolt to it.  The price and steps to convert a 2wd to 4wd is more time and $$ then the price of a 4wd off of Craigslist.

 

Because of all the parts you will need to do a 4wd conversion, I would suggest you search for a 4wd XJ.  It has almost everything you will need:  front axle, front drive shaft, AX15 and a tcase.

[kook911]

Thanks for the info. Finding a xj around here that has a ax15 is a little hard. They all want a couple thousand for them.

 

Why would I need the front axle and front drive shaft if I am already 4x4?

[87MJTIM]

My bad.   :oops:

 

You asked about a 2wd trans.  I thought was what you had in your MJ.

 

I did not read your signature.

 

Edit:  You will need a tcase that went behind an AX15.  The tcase behind a BA10 uses a 21 spline input shaft.  The AX15 combo have 23 spline output/input shafts.

[87MJTIM]

Thanks for the info. Finding a xj around here that has a ax15 is a little hard. They all want a couple thousand for them.

 

You weren't kidding on the prices!  Those prices are ridiculous .

 

I search craigslist for DWF.  I found 1 XJ with manual 4wd:  http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/5863289867.html

 

For his asking price, he may be waiting a while (at least in the east).

[FrankTheDog]

You guys need to move to the rust belt. Lol

96 cherokee stick: $100, rotted bad but runs and drives mint.

[Minuit]

I've heard there's plenty of NP242 donors up there too... something I'm having a hell of a time finding within my price range.

[895XJ]

It's also worth noting that you should look for a 93 and newer ax15 with the external slave. I would search around for a deal and just wait to swap it in until your BA10 dies. I've had pretty decent luck beating mine. 

[kook911]

I have found two ax15. One is a 94 other is a 98. Both included the bell houseing. 450 for either one but no transfer case. Then there is the fact I have to get the rest of the parts. Hell if I can find a rusted one I would pay to get it shipped down here to me. That way I will have all the parts that I need.

[Marine1Texas]

if you get the 4wd ax15 you could just swap the spline on your current 231 or 242 with a 23 spline. you only need the slave, clutch, and the transmission mount. The holes in the frame are already there for the ax15 mount to bolt up. I know in southern Texas around San Antonio they have a heap full of parts for the xj and mj's. it is just the 400 to 600 mile drive from dfw.

 

I have 2 BA10's in my shed that have 140 to 200 k on them and they shift like butter still. When we started putting these trucks to heavy work is when we put in the new trannies. They are the back up's if the ax15 ever to go out.

[kook911]

if you get the 4wd ax15 you could just swap the spline on your current 231 or 242 with a 23 spline. you only need the slave, clutch, and the transmission mount. The holes in the frame are already there for the ax15 mount to bolt up. I know in southern Texas around San Antonio they have a heap full of parts for the xj and mj's. it is just the 400 to 600 mile drive from dfw.

 

I have 2 BA10's in my shed that have 140 to 200 k on them and they shift like butter still. When we started putting these trucks to heavy work is when we put in the new trannies. They are the back up's if the ax15 ever to go out.

Both of the ax15 are the 4wd ones. From my understanding I thought I would need a ax15 cross member, trans mount, new pilot bearing and the shift linkage?

 

My ba10 is still going strong. I somehow crack the casting to where the bolts mount into the bottom of the transmission. So I only have one bolt holding the transmission on to the mount. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be doing this swap.

[Blue88Comanche]

 

if you get the 4wd ax15 you could just swap the spline on your current 231 or 242 with a 23 spline. you only need the slave, clutch, and the transmission mount. The holes in the frame are already there for the ax15 mount to bolt up. I know in southern Texas around San Antonio they have a heap full of parts for the xj and mj's. it is just the 400 to 600 mile drive from dfw.

 

I have 2 BA10's in my shed that have 140 to 200 k on them and they shift like butter still. When we started putting these trucks to heavy work is when we put in the new trannies. They are the back up's if the ax15 ever to go out.

Both of the ax15 are the 4wd ones. From my understanding I thought I would need a ax15 cross member, trans mount, new pilot bearing and the shift linkage?

 

My ba10 is still going strong. I somehow crack the casting to where the bolts mount into the bottom of the transmission. So I only have one bolt holding the transmission on to the mount. If it wasn't for that I wouldn't be doing this swap.

 

 the AX-15 and AW-4 use the same cross member.  at least in the few ive seen in the salvage yard.

 

you will need new linkage, I have the NOVAK cable shifter, but you could fab something for much cheaper. In my install write up i have a link posted to an alternative.

 

what i had trouble getting was the mounting plate (shown with rubber Transmission mount installed).  it took a while for me to find one

 

2482645506009 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

 

2482647306054 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

 

2482649506109 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

 

2482650826142 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

 

2482652466183 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

 

2482656026272 by Blue88Comanche, on Flickr

[Marine1Texas]

Yes both are 4wd ax15's

 

I did forget about the shifter, we just made those up in the garage here at home. Same with the cross member we just made one, we also made a custom one for under the 242, and 231.  We tend to bottom out some times when we are pulling heavy stuff across the acres.

 

kook911 - I would fill in that crack on the 3 bolts with some jb weld, let is set for a few days to get nice and cure since it will be thick fill in.( might even fill in a little wait a day and then fill in again. if that is enough fill, Then tap it to the bolts you need. Would not be ultimate fix, of new but would make it last longer.

 

I forget some times we just make things here, and not buy them :) If it slipped our mind we just get to work and fab something up. nothing better then going thru the old metal scrap pile taking something, bending it in to the right shape or welding something new all together

 

In south Dallas off the 175 they have a guy Stan Hopkins that has a crap load of transfer cases, rear ends and a few trannies. He normally carry the AW4 but not the AX15 or BA10/5.  He also make new drive shafts. I would check the pick n pull website. they have 3 or 4 in dfw area, and every now and then see something