1988 MJ Comanche SWAP BA-10 to AX-15

[Jomanche]

So were back at trying to get this Mighty MJ back in all of her GLORY!!!.

 

Ok so problem is this. We took in the ole Manch to get looked at for a few small things..... one of which was the clutch. It would do this and it would do that when and if it wanted to go into a gear. Long story short its either the clutch plates or input  shaft bearing or the fly wheel as it was acting so sporadic . There was a lot of chatter when it would go into gear and when it wouldn't go in it would just rev real high and you couldn't even crack it into gear. We've all been there at one time or another I'm sure...…..there was a noise in the bell housing  which turned out to be a bad clutch which was caused by the bad input shaft bearing that failed and took out the pilot bearing as well. This led to the transmission gears being chipped.

My guy to it to a tranny shop and he got the price for BA-10 to AX-15 conversion, $4300!!! Ya right.... I understand that parts aren't available for the BA10 as it was only a few year run. but $4300? seems pretty steep.

Looking for help and options to either

1. find a good BA 10 that will go right in good condition.

2. suitable substitute that will work with the original 4.0l 4WD.

3. I am open to make it an automatic.

4. I am open to convert to an AX 15

5. Also whatever new tranny option will give me good engine replacement options in the near future as I'm sure that this 4.0 is winding down..... runs fine now but shes going to need a newer 4.0 and or a 5.3L  to keep her up to par.

so in short what ever any ideas that anyone has that will get the beast of an MJ on the road again will be appreciated. Don't worry pics will be posted.

 

Hit me up and lets pay homage to the mighty MJ!!!!

 

THANKS!!!!!

[87MJTIM]

Check local junk yards. I picked up one for about $135.  The other parts to convert to external slave may run another $250. For $500 and your time you can do the swap 

[Jeep Driver]

11 hours ago, Jomanche said:

So were back at trying to get this Mighty MJ back in all of her GLORY!!!.

 

Ok so problem is this. We took in the ole Manch to get looked at for a few small things..... one of which was the clutch. It would do this and it would do that when and if it wanted to go into a gear. Long story short its either the clutch plates or input  shaft bearing or the fly wheel as it was acting so sporadic . There was a lot of chatter when it would go into gear and when it wouldn't go in it would just rev real high and you couldn't even crack it into gear. We've all been there at one time or another I'm sure...…..there was a noise in the bell housing  which turned out to be a bad clutch which was caused by the bad input shaft bearing that failed and took out the pilot bearing as well. This led to the transmission gears being chipped.

My guy to it to a tranny shop and he got the price for BA-10 to AX-15 conversion, $4300!!! Ya right.... I understand that parts aren't available for the BA10 as it was only a few year run. but $4300? seems pretty steep.

Looking for help and options to either

1. find a good BA 10 that will go right in good condition.

2. suitable substitute that will work with the original 4.0l 4WD.

3. I am open to make it an automatic.

4. I am open to convert to an AX 15

5. Also whatever new tranny option will give me good engine replacement options in the near future as I'm sure that this 4.0 is winding down..... runs fine now but shes going to need a newer 4.0 and or a 5.3L  to keep her up to par.

so in short what ever any ideas that anyone has that will get the beast of an MJ on the road again will be appreciated. Don't worry pics will be posted.

 

Hit me up and lets pay homage to the mighty MJ!!!!

 

THANKS!!!!!

 

I don't hit people up and I don't pay homage.......so there's that. 

 

But I will offer a little  perspective. 

 

A trans shop will guarantee work/labor/parts...etc.

A trans shop will install a rebuilt or new trans...........JY trans will have no warranty

A trans shop will charge about $100 per hour. 

New AX15s can still be had for about $1600

You'll need the bell and fork.

A shop will include a new clutch. 

You'll need a new master/slave and line. 

Trans mount. 

 

I never had a BA10, never did the swap.....so......

 

Will there be a difference in length related to the drive shafts? Shorten or replace? Adds cost.

Will the shop also insist on replacing ujoints? 

Xmember will need to be moved....? correct? and how does this relate to exhaust hanger?

Spline count, input shaft.......as it relates to TC?

Fluids. 

 

 

JY transmissions. I'm on my 5th.......so, you get what you pay for, correct? Sometimes you luck out and sometimes you S--- the bed. 

 

I'm not defending the shop's quote, that's not my point. 

 

If you want to go on the cheap...........AX15s, 4X versions, used, don't grow on trees, you'll have to begin your hunt now. 

Get all your parts together and get on your back and start wrenching. 

 

 

Also.....you mention a 5.3 swap, consider that carefully, what you do now, what you do later, and how much money are you willing to throw away?

Adapters..........Add another $500. 

 

Or, with the 5.3, a Turbo350/400 or a 700R4...........Figure another $3K unless  you are going the scrap route there.

Most of us do or own work for the very reason you mention here. 

 

$4K is not unreasonable for a swap. 

[87MJTIM]

The OP with need the transmission cross member and mounting bracket for the AX15. Additionally he needs the bell housing and shift fork from the inside bell housing. 
 

The two transmissions are the same length. No need to change the driveshafts. 
 

Other parts will be needed that a shop will provide. 
 

I did the lots of research before I did my swap. It took me a weekend just by myself. 

[EdJarHead]

Just changed the oil in the BA-10 on my 88 Pioneer (Olympic), as I was hearing a whine when it's hot in 2nd/3rd gears.  Drain plug was completely covered with shavings, and these larger chunks (about 1/2 inch in length and very thin) came out as well.

 

Guess I need to start saving for a transmission swap as well!

[omega_rugal]

unless you find a good, complete  ax15, you next option will be a AW4, you will need the driveshaft or mix and match parts due the 21 vs 23 spline difference...