1994 AX5 to AX15 Conversion

**UltimatE** · 09-06-2009, 09:00 PM

My AX-5 shot 5th gear to the rear of the case punching a nice hole in it. In the driveway. It's time to upgrade.

I've sourced an AX-15/NP-231 combo and can find the '96-'98 Dakota 4cyl bell housing online from pick-n-pulls. Last part I think I need is the '84 Camaro 4cyl/4spd clutch from NAPA.

Since my wrangler is a 94, I already have the external slave setup. From what I've been reading I can bolt up everything else in the clutch setup to the new transmission and bell housing.

Is there anything else I need to get? The pirate writeup keeps the internal setup and the writeup on here talks about converting to the external setup. Neither of which help me too much.

**moonshinefuel** · 09-06-2009, 09:13 PM

What exactly do you need help with?

**moonshinefuel** · 09-06-2009, 09:21 PM

Really most of the info. is already here on this forum regarding the external slave conversion which you will want to keep. czjeeper has a very good quick reference on how he did his here http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/2-5-ax15-swap-complete-659386/ And I have beaten some of this info. into the ground regarding different detailed aspects of the NV3550 conversion. The NV3550 is very very similar to the ax15 so much of what I am going through now can also pertain to the ax15 for the most part. http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/nv-3550-4-angry-squirrels-752742/

idaholtby · 09-06-2009, 09:31 PM

Only other snag maybe the pilot bearing size. All depends on the year tranny that you are sourcing. Not a big deal though, just need to be aware of the possibility and be ready to deal with it.

**moonshinefuel** · 09-06-2009, 09:35 PM

Right, not all were .750 correct?
It will either be .590 or .750. Depending on the year transmission, like you said. I believe that is correct. Unless there is another shaft size I am not aware of.

**Mean Max** · 09-07-2009, 01:24 AM

Depending on whether your AX-15 used an internal or external front bearing retainer, you may need to swap it out for the correct one.

Internal slave style retainer (note 0.590 pilot bearing size input shaft)

External slave style retainer (note 0.750 pilot bearing size input shaft)

Max

**moonshinefuel** · 09-07-2009, 01:48 AM

Thanks Max. That makes perfect sense to me. That is a major factor to be aware of for anyone considering an ax5 to ax15 conversion. Information like this can save a person a lot of greif.

RollinThunder · 09-11-2009, 02:45 PM

If you're going with the NV3550, I believe those all had the setup for the external. At least all the ones that I've seen do.

**UltimatE** · 09-11-2009, 07:59 PM

I picked up an AX-15 and 231 combo from what I was told a '94 4.0 YJ. I assumed that setup had the external slave cylinder.

The picture you posted of the internal slave matches my input shaft of the transmission (See pic below). However the diameter for the pilot bearing is 0.75" I am confused.

Diameter of the shaft before the gear section for the clutch is ~0.95", clutch splines are 1.125" and 10 teeth.

**Mean Max** · 09-11-2009, 08:10 PM

I wish I could see the pics!

I'm at work & they're blocked for me.....

Max

**UltimatE** · 09-11-2009, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mean Max

I wish I could see the pics!

I'm at work & they're blocked for me.....

Max

Any way for me to get them to you? I'd like to know wtf's goin on ASAP

**moonshinefuel** · 09-11-2009, 08:15 PM

It looks like an ax15, with a internal bearing retainer setup, with a .750 pilot. That sure is interesting. 94 was the transition year right? I think you have the white buffalo.

**Mean Max** · 09-11-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltimatE

Any way for me to get them to you? I'd like to know wtf's goin on ASAP

PM sent.

Max

**Mean Max** · 09-11-2009, 08:32 PM

It's a '89-'93 internal slave style AX-15.

The AX-15 production date location is on the bottom where the tranny mount bolts up.

The "304" means '93 (the "3" part) and it was built in April (the "04" part) then the "8152" is the production code number.

Max

**UltimatE** · 09-11-2009, 08:34 PM

Figures, was just out in the garage looking for it -- It's covered in grease. Time to look again.

Edit: 10800278 ... the 1 seems to be bolded. Looks like it is indeed a 91 transmission. I bought it for $225, with unknown miles. It shifts perfectly, and seems to be really clean.

Is it worth it to swap out the input shaft, or find a 94+ AX15? I'm extremely tight on cash until my school money comes in...