90s wrangler ax15 with transfer case

[rylee144]

I don't know the year yet but I have a line on a 4.0 wrangler ax15 and transfer case. Will this bolt up to my 4.0 or is there alot of mods that need to happen?

[MiNi Beast]

some mods but worth it to buy it. so buy it an then get details on how to install. 

[ghetdjc320]

Yep it will work but the transfer case will be clocked higher than stock. Youll have to see if it interferes with your floor in that area. Check and see if the bell housing is external slave or not. If not, you can brag a bell housing from a 94 and up

[rylee144]

I don't know what clocked higher means. If it means it sits higher do I get a drop cross member?

[BeatCJ]

Rotated. The Cherokee transmission tunnel is taller, so the transmission fits up higher. To make up for it, the transfer case is rotated about 10 degrees counter clockwise (looking from the rear). From what I have read, it doesn't take much work from a BFH to massage your floor pans, the back of the Wrangler transmission can be redrilled with about 10 degrees of rotation, or you can use a thin clocking ring.

Not a dropped crossmember, you would need to have it flatter.

Depending on the year of the transmission, you might need a non-standard pilot bushing/bearing. A later AX-15 has a 0.750 pilot stub on the input shaft. That's what i just got, and O'Reillys local to me has the right Pilot Bushing in stock. It's available elsewhere, too, Timken Part PB77HD, National uses the same part number. If it's the earlier one, the pilot from the late '89 5 speed should be right. last time i looked, Davy's Jeep has the late model external slave for sale for $150, with the release arm.

[Crash]

Bfh will clearance the tunnel, for the tcase.

[Pete M]

13 hours ago, rylee144 said:

I don't know what clocked higher means. If it means it sits higher do I get a drop cross member?

 

 

you might need to.  between the t-case being rotated up a bit plus you don't have the AX-15 crossmember with the little drop in the middle, it might be a tight fit.  also the wrangler shifter handle get super close to the dash in 1,3,5.  But it's doable.   I have a 2000 AX-15 in my 88. 

[rylee144]

I'm starting to lean toward waiting for a xj ax15 so there aren't as many variables for my weak mechanic skills

[Pete M]

it's not that bad of a project.    but you'll make your life easier by sourcing the crossmember and trans shifter (handle plus the tower), and t-case linkage from an XJ. 

 

if the wrangler was a TJ, you'll get a t-case with a sealed rear output.   

[rylee144]

What year xj is good to get an ax15 and all the stuff needed from?

[Pete M]

any year AX-15 will work.   AX-15s after 94 will have the external slave bellhousing.  T-cases made after (I think) 96 will have the sealed rear output. 

[rylee144]

Thank you

[87MJTIM]

The attached youtube videos show the "clocking" issue of a YJ vs. XJ trans.  Of course, these involve putting an XJ trans into a YJ.  The OP is going the other direction.

 

The videos would be a lot shorter if he didn't "man-slain" every little detail.

 

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

[rylee144]

Thank you!

[rylee144]

I found an AX15! Anyway to tell what it came off of from photos?

[Pete M]

I haven't memorized the rear bolt pattern orientation   maybe someone else has?  got a part number off it?  did you grab the shifter handle?

[rylee144]

He has it. Picking it up Wednesday night.