im gona go look at a 89 and its got a manual trans. now i was reading that they changed mid year in 89 from a ba10 to an ax15. and i also read the ax15 is the better tranny to have. so how can i tell what tranny the 89 has? thanks.

 

pics of both here, difference looks subtle but noticeable:
http://www.driveev.com/jeepev/convpgs/motorclutch3.php

btw I searched google images for "Peugeot BA-10 vs Aisin-Warner AX15"

 

The easiest way:

The Peugeot (BA10) case is split left-right (i.e. there is a seam going front to back on the top and bottom). That is unique to the Peugeot tranny.