Topic: AX5 to AX15 conversion.

[jwrape]

I have seen others ask questions about the weak AX5 and wondering if they should rebuild them or chunk them in the garbage. Well that is up to you but a rebuilt on a AX5 can run nearly $2000, depending upon what hard parts you have to replace. For half that cost or less you can upgrade your AX5 to a healthy AX15 or even better the newer NV3550.
With a few simple parts and a shortened driveshaft you can bolt this conversion right in.
Read how to here
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181361&pp=25&highlight=ax-5+swap

I have done this conversion to my 92 YJ and I am doing it again on my Dad's YJ at this time.
It is a awesome upgrade from the AX5 and I don't worry about my tranny giving out on me riding down the highway...
If you are serious about doing this upgrade you need to read the entire thread because there are little details about this conversion that are throughout the thread.
If you have Q's feel free to ask me.
Hope this helps.

[Jeffy]

I'm going to edit this and combine the info with the Transmission and Engien Guide at the bottom.  There is also a better link with pictures that I've been meaning to add.

[jwrape]

I'm going to edit this and combine the info with the Transmission and Engien Guide at the bottom.  There is also a better link with pictures that I've been meaning to add.

That's Cool. Just wanted to share what I had found and done. Use it as you like.  :D

[Jeffy]

I think I'll cut & paste the main thing and you can help by filling in the gaps.

Parts Numbers and clarification mostly I think.

[jwrape]

Well I just collected all the part numbers back together again to do this on my Dad's YJ.
Here ya go:
Advance Adpaters parts: 42 Stainless Hose w/TJ fittings- 716130TJH, (if you have a YJ make sure to get the extra YJ Master cylinder fitting. The Advance operator should know what you are talking about.) NV4500 Pilot Bearing - 716167, 23 spline input shaft for the Transfer case to fit to the AX15(or NV3550) - 716054
Tri-County 4x4:Inertia Ring approx. $160 shipped(No part number, just call them and request it)
Autozone:84' Camaro 4cylinder 5 speed clutch disc - CP4198(This will take a day for them to order it), YJ throw out bearing(I used a 95' YJ TO bearing), Get front and rear shaft seals for the transmission and the transfer case as well as a rear seal for the motor(from Autozone). Since you already have all this stuff apart you might as well replace all your seals.
I didn't replace all mine and now i have a leak from the rear output shaft on my tranny.
You will need a 97-98' Dodge Dakota 2.5L Bellhousing (Junkyard Approx. $90-$150)
If you are doing this conversion on a 87-94' with a internal slave cylinder then you will want to get the 95' YJ external slave cylinder.

The last things you will need is to shorten your driveshaft approx. 2" at your local driveline shop(Different lifts will change this so measure yourself. You measure from the center of the U joint to the other U Joint) and modify your cross member/skid plate to accept the new transmission mount.
OH yea, you will need to get the Transfercase shifter from a AX15 to fit up your AX15/NP231 combo because the original shifter linkage off your old AX 5 tranny will not fit any longer.

Literally the hardest part I found in the whole project was taking apart the Transfercase and replacing the 21 spline input shaft with the 23 spline input shaft. It wasn't extremely difficult and if you are remotely mechanically inclined you can do it. The worst part is getting the retainer clip off the 21 spline input shaft.

The rest of the project just bolts up and goes right together.
It is literally the easiest Transmission conversion out there for the 2.5L.

Hope that helps. If you got any more ?'s... Just ask or pm me.

Advance Adapters (800-350-2223) 8-4pm pacific time http://www.advanceadapters.com/
Tri-County 4x4 (909-623-3373) 8-5pm Pacific Time http://www.tricountygear.com/main.htm
Autozone http://www.autozone.com/

[littleredbeater]

after having read that entire thread I'm wondering, the one guy mentioned that everything from the dodge bolted up perfectly but the transfer case was 6 or 7 degrees lower. Other than clearance what issues would this cause? And how much lower would it be to the ground at that angle aprox?

[jwrape]

after having read that entire thread I'm wondering, the one guy mentioned that everything from the dodge bolted up perfectly but the transfer case was 6 or 7 degrees lower. Other than clearance what issues would this cause? And how much lower would it be to the ground at that angle aprox?

I don't have that problem. He must be using the AX15 tranny from the Dakota and not the one from the Wrangler. My xfer case fits perfectly.

[lax22]

Seriously considering this swap on my 97 wrangler se. I was wondering what would be different doing this between the yj and tj as far as parts go? Also with the drive shaft and transfer case, If i was to get them from a 4.0 wrangler could i get around having to change the output gear by swapping in the 4.0 transfer case and use the rear driveshaft from the 4.0 so i would not have to shorten the stock one?

[jeepheap]

before you go this route you may want to check on the kit from aa that is all inclusive. i have the kit just haven't gotten aroung to putting it in yet.

[lax22]

I saw that kit i am debating on what to do. My main question is will the tranny from a 2wd 94 cherokiee work for this swap or dose it have to come from a 4wd? I have the opportunity to get a rebuilt ax15 from a 2 wd cherokiee for 400 with 10,000 miles on it. I am just wondering if i have a deal or if its a bust?