I didn't see the answer in the search so forgive me if I missed it.

I'm getting ready to do some work to my old 85 XJ w/ax5 transmission. Trying to order the need parts ahead of time for a rebuild. Looking up the clutch kits it lists several variations.

Last time I bought kit for it (circa 1999) the shop I took it to (after I ran out of time to work on it myself) said they had to use another kit to finish it.

I read of others with the same experience and they had to match parts up at the store.

What is the difference in the kits? The impression I had from the shop was it was a mess of different components thrown together by AMC.

Could I just buy the kit for 1986 2.8 4x4 ax5 when it was settled science or are they different?

Hollander parts interchange shows the 86 transmission is different form the 84-85 years, however they also don't show a lot of the other interchanges that cross over, like the s10 flywheel.

I can't see the ax5 transmission being different, although according the the parts houses the motors could be (better cylinder heads?) even though the Hollander parts interchange show them being the same.

So basically I tired to educate myself on it only to become more confused. When come tot he old early XJ there are not as many solid answer as there are for the later years.

If anyone has insight into this I'd appreciate hearing it.
thanks in advance!