4bangerjp.com

General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: YJmechanic on September 03, 2005, 12:43:18 PM

Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: YJmechanic on September 03, 2005, 12:43:18 PM
Anybody know what has to be done to swap from a 5 to a 15 in a yj?  From what I understand, there is no power differance but the durability is worth the swap.  I wouldn't imagine that it would be much change over cause they are very close and yj's don't have any tranny controllers or anything like that.  Any other good tranny ideas?
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: StefanBidi on September 04, 2005, 07:36:32 AM
You need the bellhousing out of a 2.5L 96-99 Dodge Dakota, and that's it.  The 4.0L uses a different bolt pattern, and the Dakota came with the AX-15 and 2.5L, so that's convenient.  You'll also want to get the AX-15 with the attached t-case.  The AX-5 bolts up to a 21-spline NP231, whereas the AX-15 bolts up to a 23-spine NP231.  There are kits available, but it's better to just get the matching t-case.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: YJmechanic on September 04, 2005, 06:31:06 PM
Doesn't seem to bad.  But is it really worth the money rather than rebuilding the ax5?
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: StefanBidi on September 04, 2005, 07:19:05 PM
I think for you it will be!  You just did a "performace" rebuild on you engine, and even though the AX-5 isn't going to just explode, it'll wear a lot faster than it should.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: trailblazer95 on September 05, 2005, 12:07:02 PM
Quote from: "StefanBidi"
...and even though the AX-5 isn't going to just explode, it'll wear a lot faster than it should.


amen to that, i threw my clutch out three weeks after i put my supercharger on.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Bounty Hunter on September 06, 2005, 09:24:53 AM
Just a few things to watch for:
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: YJmechanic on September 07, 2005, 02:48:01 PM
I think I may just switch to the 15 just for the durability and use a centerfoce dual friction clutch.  It all depends how bad mine is when I tear it down.  Syncros at my dealer cost are only like $80 so it that is my whole problem then I'll run it untill it really blows.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Jeffy on September 07, 2005, 03:13:18 PM
If you're going to bother going with an AX-15, I'd consider the NV3550, too.  It's the AX-15's replacement.  Better tranny overall and would be bulletproof on a 2.5L.  The NV3500's have been used in the Dodge Ram's with the 5.2L's.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: YJmechanic on September 12, 2005, 06:20:38 PM
maybe it's better but how hard would it be to convert?  And if going that far wouldn't it be better to go to nv4500?  I also heard that 35-45 don't work well in yjcjtj because of the length
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: StefanBidi on September 12, 2005, 06:47:44 PM
The AX-15 and NV3500 are at least 100lbs lighter than an NV4500, and behind the 2.5L really will not make that much of a difference strength wise.  Not even a built 2.5L will make enough power to destroy one of those, unless you're running force induction.  Also, for the AX-15 there's already a junkyard bellhousing available and you won't have to spend an extra $500 is adapters, that you would with the NV4500.

The NV3500 also replaced the AX-15 in 2001 (I think), so it does fit comfortabily where the previous AX-15 used to.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: jwrape on October 29, 2005, 11:02:05 AM
I just completed the swap. You need a 98' Dakota bellhousing for a 2.5L, a 84' Camaro clutch disc, 95 YJ throw out bearing, NV4550 pilot bearing, a 95' YJ slave cylinder(external) 23 splin input shaft installed in you xfer case. rear DS shortened 2" and a little bit of time.

Best conversion I ever did. I don't worry about my tranny falling apart on me any more. Cost me $800 for all parts including the $400 I paid for the used AX15.
You can read all about it here
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181361&page=6&pp=25&highlight=ax-5+swap
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Jeffy on October 29, 2005, 01:49:30 PM
Have a complete parts list by any chance?  I've got some of that POR thread posted in the FAQ, I think.  Or even better would be a write-up.

I've thought about swapping but haven't really had the need.  Although I'm going to have to make a choice once I get into stage 2 of my project which involves the rest of the drivetrain.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: jwrape on October 29, 2005, 02:04:54 PM
Quote from: "Jeffy"
Have a complete parts list by any chance?  I've got some of that POR thread posted in the FAQ, I think.  Or even better would be a write-up.

I've thought about swapping but haven't really had the need.  Although I'm going to have to make a choice once I get into stage 2 of my project which involves the rest of the drivetrain.


I don't have a parts list but I got most of them through Advance adapters and Autozone. The clutch disc was a little hard to track down but the cheapest place was AZ. The slave cylinder extention line, 23 spline input shaft, pilot bearing came from AA, the bell housing I found at a junk yard, the slave cylinder, throw out bearing were from AZ. All these parts ended up being about $400.

That thread above has all the part numbers you need in it. Also Advance Adapaters is VERY knowledgeable about these different parts and very willing to help.


The other thing I would suggest is getting an inertia ring from Tri-county 4x4. While you are there you might as well add it to your flywheel. You will definately thank me for it.
http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/clutch/inertiaring/
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Bounty Hunter on October 29, 2005, 02:28:10 PM
Let us know what you think of the inertia ring after you run it a while.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Jeffy on October 29, 2005, 03:09:37 PM
Quote from: "Bounty Hunter"
Let us know what you think of the inertia ring after you run it a while.


Who me?  I haven't even decided if I want to stick with the AX-5 or not.  I haven't had any problems with mine other then notchy shifting.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: jwrape on October 29, 2005, 03:43:35 PM
Quote from: "Bounty Hunter"
Let us know what you think of the inertia ring after you run it a while.


I have been running it for a couple months now maybe 3 months and love it. Especially in traffic. I don't have to give it gas to get going from a stop.
The first time I took it on the trail I literally bogged the motor down to 100 rpm's and was able to recover it. I was astonished how well it did. I love it. Great investment. Very easy to install as well.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: 4WLift on December 28, 2005, 03:06:13 PM
In respect to swaping the AX-5 for the AX-15,

is the Dakota 96-98 AX-15 the same as found in the Jeep?

In other words if I find the 97 Dakota 2.5L 4cl rwd pickup with tranny and bellhousing, is there any problem with using that Dakota tranny???

Provided I get the clutch plate, Tcase input, longer clutch line, extended driveline...
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: jwrape on December 29, 2005, 05:04:46 AM
Quote from: "4WLift"
In respect to swaping the AX-5 for the AX-15,

is the Dakota 96-98 AX-15 the same as found in the Jeep?

In other words if I find the 97 Dakota 2.5L 4cl rwd pickup with tranny and bellhousing, is there any problem with using that Dakota tranny???

Provided I get the clutch plate, Tcase input, longer clutch line, extended driveline...


I think I asked the same question at one point before I tried the conversion and someone commented that the Dakota AX15 is a little different in one way or another. Maybe a bolt pattern or somthing.
But as for the Bellhousing it is exactly the correct bolt pattern.

Hmmm, maybe the difference was the TCase or something. But it actually would make sense that the entire Dakota tranny and Tcase would work but I don't know. Maybe the driveshaft drop side was on the passenger side or something like that.

You might wanna check the pirate board and see if that Question has been asked before, I think it has.
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: 4WLift on December 29, 2005, 02:50:59 PM
I think the answer is - the bolt patern on the tail of the Dakota transmission is off 6-7 degres. Drilling and taping a new patern is suposed to be possible. The shifter is also different.


Different question.

What 4 speed transmissions will fit in place of the AX-5 behind the 2.5L?
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: Jeffy on December 29, 2005, 03:14:22 PM
Quote from: "4WLift"
I think the answer is - the bolt patern on the tail of the Dakota transmission is off 6-7 degres. Drilling and taping a new patern is suposed to be possible. The shifter is also different.


Different question.

What 4 speed transmissions will fit in place of the AX-5 behind the 2.5L?


I believe that's the problem with the Dakota.  As for the other question, you could go with a SM420 or SM465.  I've heard a NP435 would work also but don't know how.

The SM420 and SM465 are simple because you can use a 2.8L S-10 bellhousing, from what I remember.  (Novak has a bellhousing already setup too.)  The SM465 replaced the SM420 so if you can't find one a 4.65 will work.

I've got a question too.  How do you 4wd Drift in a 2wd car?  And yes, I follow Drifting too... :wink:
Title: AX-15 Swap?
Post by: yellowta on January 24, 2006, 04:24:28 PM
Quote from: "jwrape"
a 84' Camaro clutch disc, 95 YJ throw out bearing, NV4550 pilot bearing, a 95' YJ slave cylinder(external) 23 splin input shaft installed in you xfer case. rear DS shortened 2" and a little bit of time.


Why do you need a different clutch disc if you don't need a different pressure plate or throwout bearing (mine's a 2000, so I already have an external slave)?  I've got an nv3550, as well as a brand new sye and 23 spline input gear ready to go in. I'm looking for a bellhousing and whatever other little parts I need.