Topic: Trans swap

[Gr8Ride]

Looked in the FAQ section and was mind-boggled.  Read somewhere that a '97 TJ's 2.4L has a different bolt pattern than the 2.5L.  I'm looking at replacing the trans and xfer case (AX5 if I'm correct) and wanted to know if anything bolted directly up.  Have a line on a newer trans and xfer case but unsure of what it is yet.  Thanks for any info.

[Jeffy]

Looked in the FAQ section and was mind-boggled.  Read somewhere that a '97 TJ's 2.4L has a different bolt pattern than the 2.5L.  I'm looking at replacing the trans and xfer case (AX5 if I'm correct) and wanted to know if anything bolted directly up.  Have a line on a newer trans and xfer case but unsure of what it is yet.  Thanks for any info.

Not only does the 2.4L use a different bellhousing bolt pattern, it also uses a different transmission as well.  Nothing will be a direct-fit bolt-in.

Worse case scenario is the tranny and transfer case are unusable.

[Bounty Hunter]

Jeep didn't use the 2.4L in '97, it wasn't introduced until much later, so if you find a 2.5L the tranny should bolt up.  Just make sure you use the correct fluid and not the factory recommended GL5 gear oil.

[Jeffy]

OH, he's doing a AX-5 to AX-5 swap.  As long as it's an AX-5 (1985-2003) you can use it.  You'll have to swap out the shifter though.

Good luck finding straight GL-3.  The GL-5 is only a myth these days.  The blend was reformulated soon after it was released and rebadged GL-5, MT-1 and should be syncro friendly.  I think you'll be hard pressed to find GL-5 that isn't MT-1.

[Gr8Ride]

I actually thought I had a 2.4L?  I am trying to get the AX5 out from under her and upgrade.  I'd replace the AX5 with another AX5 but figured I'd just upgrade while I'm there...for any future build (far off distance).  The incumbent is growling, primarily in 4th and 5th but I can hear some in 3rd as well.  5th is where the noise really kicks in.  Thought about RedLine as a cost-effective solution in the interim and keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't let go on me.  I'm sure it's related to the reverse issue I posted a while back and never could afford to take care of. 

[Jeffy]

I actually thought I had a 2.4L?  I am trying to get the AX5 out from under her and upgrade.  I'd replace the AX5 with another AX5 but figured I'd just upgrade while I'm there...for any future build (far off distance).  The incumbent is growling, primarily in 4th and 5th but I can hear some in 3rd as well.  5th is where the noise really kicks in.  Thought about RedLine as a cost-effective solution in the interim and keeping my fingers crossed that she doesn't let go on me.  I'm sure it's related to the reverse issue I posted a while back and never could afford to take care of. 

No, you have a 2.5L.  The 2.4L is a OHC engine and was introduced in the Liberty then replaced the Wrangler in 2003.

[Bounty Hunter]

You can try the Redline, it's that good that it may improve your tranny woes temporarily.