Patman

Howdy folks,

I am in need of a new/used/rebuilt AX-15 transmission. It’s going into a 95 XJ 4x4. I have a line on two options.

1. I have a line on an AX-15 from a 2004 TJ, the guy is upgrading to a NV and has put 130,000 miles on the AX-15. He’s asking $700, I’ll give $500 tops. Only issue I see is that the t-case clocking is different for a TJ than it is on an XJ. Ive read that you can swap the tail housing from the old trans and that should resolve that issue. If not IRO (Iron Rock Off-Road) has a clocking template that will handle it.

2. I have a line on an AX-15 from a 99 Dakota. The Dakota was rolled and is being junked. It was for a 4wd and was bolted to a V6. Im just not sure if the output shaft length is right for my application. Hes asking 400 plus 145 for shipping. No core charge.

Any advice or options would be appreciated.

Parsnip

it kinda sounds like either way you are gonna end up with a tranny that needs a tailhousing to adapt to your application. that being said, honestly id go with whichever one would be less expensive since your gonna have to mod the tailhousing anyways. i feel like i want to say the dakota would bolt up and be fine because the oil pan clearance and ride height is fairly similair to the xj, but dont take my word for gold. also id check the bolt pattern on the housing. i yet again think a dakota v6 bellhousing is the same as the i6 but eh, google knows things too

00t444e

An 04 TJ wouldn't have an AX15 unless someone swapped it, Jeep switched from the AX15 to the NV3550 around the 00 model year.

MaskedMallard

Location, Location, Location. Where are you located?

I just went on a website and found about 50+ options for a 6 cylinder, 4x4, manual transmission for a 1995 XJ Cherokee. I saw a rebuilt was available for $800, with ZERO miles. I didn't bother to check on a transmission for a 4 cylinder since there weren't that many 4 cylinder XJ's out there.

So, I guess if you are willing to spend $500 tops for a 130,000 transmission, and then another $50.00 plus shipping for the drill jig, plus your time, does a potential $250.00 difference sound all that bad for a zero mileage transmission, most likely with a warranty?

Whats wrong with your manual transmission? Have you called around to find out how much to rebuild your transmission?
www.car-part.com that website connects salvage yards across North America, so depending on your location, you might find something close and a lot more reasonable for a direct fit.

Patman

Locally to get my trans rebuilt, its 1800. Im out in the middle of nowhere. Literally and hour and a half from anywhere. Id rather take my chances with a used trans and have an extra to try to rebuild my self if necessary. As for shipping it out and having it redone, thats not a bad idea... i just hate sending my trans out in the mail.

MaskedMallard

When I worked automotive 15 years ago, it was like $75.00 to have a rebuilt automatic transmission sent by tractor trailer / freight from Ft. Dodge to the Minneapolis / Saint Paul area. We were able to do jobs cheaper than what the transmission place down the street could do them for. Plus, we could offer a better warranty.

I'm sure if you spoke with a buddy or a auto repair shop / auto body shop, and asked if you could have a transmission dropped off at their place, they'd be willing to help you out. You'd have to work out the details with the shipper on what they require.

You might be able to get a good idea what's all involved from this place http://www.alltransmissions.net/ I'm sure they have experience with shipping to the middle of nowhere and 1.5 hours from anywhere.

Patman

Indeed, Ill check it out. Thanks!

Patman

In the meantime, I have a line on an NV3550 from a buddy. Is that a direct swap?

PatHenry

Yes. No modification required.

I'm not a fan of the NV3550, but some folks like it. I had a bad experience with it in my 00 TJ. It also rattles in neutral which the East coast Jeep mechanic director guy said was "normal".... I'm still not convinced.

Patman

Ive read that they are a bit on the noisy side but pretty stout...

lawsoncl

Recommended reading for some AX-15 swap info.
https://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1121647