Hey guys. We got a '93 XJ with the AX-5 transmission. It's starting to REALLY act up like it's about to fail completely. It grinds going into 1st and 3rd (sometimes 5th, not often). We changed the fluids out for the transmission and the clutch with proper fluids. It took care of it for a LITTLE while (about a week).

We are thinking about putting in an AX-15 since it's apparently a stronger transmission for wheeling. We just do light off roading like trail rides and mud splashing. Nothin' extreme. What would be involved with swapping transmissions? I can't really find anything that explains it much. Any resources are appreciated. So what would we be expecting to do?

 

they are extremely simple to rebuild. yours is showing symptoms of a bad midplate bearing on the output shaft, or on the cross shaft. either of those bearings being bad will cause that issue. it's more likely to be the cross shaft bearing, since 4th gear shows no issues running and that connects the input direct to the output.

the swap requires the bellhousing from a dodge dakota (I forget the year, but check ebay), the throwout bearing plate, and the slave cylinder. after that, you need a 23 spline transfercase, and a set of custom driveshafts as jeep never made any compatible with the positioning of an ax15 on a 4 cylinder.

If you need any info help or parts for an ax5 let me know. I'm in the middle of rebuilding my 6th one for a customer (first 5 were because I had a lead foot and 260hp in front of one)