Transmission Issues

[Aidan]

My trains started popping out of 3rd today and it's been grinding a little bit in reverse since I bought it. Is it safe to assume the pukegoat is on its way out? 

[Pete M]

how's your gear oil level? 

 

honestly, I would start shopping around for an AX-15... just in case.   

[Aidan]

I changed it less than 500 miles ago with redline. An ax15 from a 96+ cherokee right? I've never even taken a transmission out so I have almost no knowledge 

[87MJTIM]

Get the Tcase from the XJ, also.  Your current Tcase will not mate to the AX15.

 

Get the trans crossmember.

 

Get the trans mounting bracket.

 

Get the bellbousing for the AX15 and the bearing release fork.

 

Get the Tcase shift linkage.  (The linkage for the AX is slightly different than the BA10. Although, modifying the current is doable.)

 

Since you are (maybe) swapping to an external slave cyl trans, it is a good time to change clutch kits.  I discovered when I swapped mine that the pressure plates changed when the AX15 switched from internal to external slave cyl.  The old PP did fit and worked, it just did not feel correct.  You will need to change the hydraulic system, also.  Or at least the slave cyl.  

 

Be aware that the input shaft tips on the AX15 changed from ~1/2" to ~3/4" size (don't remember which years).  You will need to change the pilot bushing.  One that worked for me and is referenced often on CC is the pilot bushing for a '75 CJ5 w/ a 304 engine.

 

I am very happy with my AX15 swap.

 

Good luck.

[Pete M]

my old peugeot would act up when the level dropped, but I had a slow leak out the rear seal.  Every now and again it'd shift funny and I'd top it off and it'd be fine again. 

 

according to his sig the truck is 2wd.  

 

car-part.com should be able to find ya something.

[87MJTIM]

5 minutes ago, Pete M said:

 

according to his sig the truck is 2wd.  

Missed that part. 
 

“Sorry ‘bout that, Chief.” 86

[Aidan]

So if I find a 4wd trans can I still use it and just not hook up the transfer case? And if there are adapters regardless of what length the input shafts are? Sorry I'm gonna have a billion questions 😂

[Aidan]

Also just found this like 20 minutes from me, is it correct?

[87MJTIM]

That would be the proper bell housing for the external slave cyl transmission. 
 

No, you can’t run a 4wd transmission without a transfer case. 
 

You can run a transfer case without the front axle. 

[Aidan]

Oh so I would have to hook up the transfer case just not hook up a driveshaft?

[Pete M]

you will then need your current rear shaft shortened or replaced

[Aidan]

I'm very quickly becoming overwhelmed lol. Stuff like this scares the s**t out of me 

[87MJTIM]

It used to intimidate me. I just took it one step at a time. 
 

YouTube has become my “goto” repair manual. If you have question or want to do something, search YouTube. Find several videos on what you want to do and watch them all. One may/will do things differently than another. One may give more details than the other. 
 

also, CC has a great knowledge base. Ask and you will get answers. 

[Pete M]

I'd never pulled a trans in my life and then jumped into building my truck.   it's all about doing your research, following the steps, and planning on things going wrong (aka: having extra time and money available for when a part won't fit or a bolt snaps). 

[Pete M]

also be sure to replace the upper 2 bellhousing bolts with grade 8 studs to help with alignment during re-installation.  

[Aidan]

So currently I'm in the research phase (as well as saving lol), should I look for a used one or should I splurge and save for the brand spanking new one from Novak? 

[fiatslug87]

How much are the ones from Novak?

[Aidan]

I was just looking into it more and on the website before shipping or any other parts its 1600 . So yeah whose got a used ax15 manual for sale 

[Pete M]

car-part.com and be sure to search for various years of XJ since the site lists strictly by part number and those might change over time. 

 

don't forget you'll want the crossmember/mount and shifter handle/tower too.

[Aidan]

5 minutes on that website and I found a rebuilt 97 5 speed at a yard 8 miles from my house. Thanks a ton guys. Gonna go see how much they want soon 

[87MJTIM]

Be sure to ask about all the other parts you will need 

[Aidan]

Please correct me if I'm forgetting something.

I need from the JY :

Transmission case 

Bellhousing 

Transfer case 

Crossmember (trans support) 

 

 

[Aidan]

For the swap:

73 Cj pilot bushing

External slave

Clutch kit 97 (maybe?)

 

[87MJTIM]

Crossmember and transmission mount are separate pieces. 
 

The bell housing will depend on the year of the transmission. Pre-94 AX15s will have internal slave cyl. That’s the same as your BA10. The input shaft tip will be the same. No need to change clutch kits or pilot bushing. If the transmission is a 94+ these will be external slave cyl. Input shaft tips will be larger. As I suggested change the pressure plate and pilot bushing. 
 

You can purchase an all-in-one master/slave hydraulic clutch system if you gat an external slave bell housing. 

[Pete M]

you'll need a shorter rear driveshaft