Getting ready to pull AX15/231 and D30

[jakesmog]

Finally ditching my 2wd BA/10 and I found someone parting out a 4x4 ‘98 manual XJ and I’m going this Sunday to pull the AX-15/231 and crossmember, bell housing, t-case shifting linkage, fork, throw out bearing and retainer, clutch, clutch lines, slave and master cylinder. I know I will need to get a 70s CJ pilot bushing as well, and there’s other wear items likely to be replaced like the clutch and throw out bearing. 

I’m also grabbing the front axle and driveshaft while I’m there, unfortunately the donor rear is a D35. I know I need to get a driveshaft shortened once I find a rear. 

 

Is there anything I’m missing or forgetting, or specific tips that could help get everything out smoothly? I’ve never pulled a transmission before so I really want to be prepared before I get there. I feel like I’m back in school cramming for a test, watching every video I can find on it and studying like crazy. I’m bringing a friend, transmission jack, regular jack, stands, impact, long extensions, drill bits, tons of rust penetrant, propane torch, sawzall, and obviously wrenches sockets pry bars hammers and whatnot. A drain pan for the tranny fluid too. The donor XJ is at some guys house a couple hours from mine, so I can’t exactly go back if I forgot something. 

[87MJTIM]

Probably part of the package you are getting, but don't forget the transmission mount.

 

The clutch master cyl. may not work on the MJ.  The later XJ master cyl stuck out further and are taller than the earlier style.  Others may correct me on this.

 

I purchased a Horror Fright transmission jack to remove/install the trans/tcase when I did my swap.  https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/transmission-jacks/450-lb-low-lift-transmission-jack-61232.html

 

Good luck.

[89 MJ]

Get the whole trans crossmember if you can. The AX-15 one is different than all of the others. 

[TurboedMJ]

You will need lots of your favorite beer. 

[87MJTIM]

2 hours ago, TurboedMJ said:

You will need lots of your favorite beer. 

Yes, but wait until you’re done 

[KBRAY88MJ]

On 9/13/2024 at 6:26 AM, 87MJTIM said:

Probably part of the package you are getting, but don't forget the transmission mount.

 

The clutch master cyl. may not work on the MJ.  The later XJ master cyl stuck out further and are taller than the earlier style.  Others may correct me on this.

 

I purchased a Horror Fright transmission jack to remove/install the trans/tcase when I did my swap.  https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive/jacks-jack-stands/transmission-jacks/450-lb-low-lift-transmission-jack-61232.html

 

Good luck.

The clutch master cylinder works. I used one from a 97. although I found out after that I could have used an earlier model one that used the same bolt holes. 

[KBRAY88MJ]

On 9/13/2024 at 5:50 AM, jakesmog said:

Finally ditching my 2wd BA/10 and I found someone parting out a 4x4 ‘98 manual XJ and I’m going this Sunday to pull the AX-15/231 and crossmember, bell housing, t-case shifting linkage, fork, throw out bearing and retainer, clutch, clutch lines, slave and master cylinder. I know I will need to get a 70s CJ pilot bushing as well, and there’s other wear items likely to be replaced like the clutch and throw out bearing. 

I’m also grabbing the front axle and driveshaft while I’m there, unfortunately the donor rear is a D35. I know I need to get a driveshaft shortened once I find a rear. 

 

Is there anything I’m missing or forgetting, or specific tips that could help get everything out smoothly? I’ve never pulled a transmission before so I really want to be prepared before I get there. I feel like I’m back in school cramming for a test, watching every video I can find on it and studying like crazy. I’m bringing a friend, transmission jack, regular jack, stands, impact, long extensions, drill bits, tons of rust penetrant, propane torch, sawzall, and obviously wrenches sockets pry bars hammers and whatnot. A drain pan for the tranny fluid too. The donor XJ is at some guys house a couple hours from mine, so I can’t exactly go back if I forgot something. 

You need to use your stock flywheel. I learned the hard way that the crank position sensor doesn't read the newer style flywheel. Had to drop the trans and reinstall the old one. 

[jakesmog]

Thanks for all the tips guys, but the guy with the Jeeps I was gonna pull from didn’t actually have the AX-15. I started asking him more questions about what rear axle the donor had, and he told me I need to verify myself that he had the right parts. I then doubted he knew what an AX-15 was and he finally revealed that all his XJs were automatic. So I returned my transmission jack to Harbor Freight and will be waiting for another day to do the swap. I’ve been combing my local junkyards once every other week or so and have yet to find a manual 4x4. 

[TurboedMJ]

Where are you located? I have two ax15 cores but I'm in Washington state

[jakesmog]

Opposite side of the continent in Florida unfortunately. Thanks though