https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/tho...ead-you-71217/

^^I have been using this thread for reference.

I'm wondering about the pilot bearing. Since I've got a new clutch (bought one for an 89 since thats the year for the trans), can I just use a pilot bearing also for an 89?

 

On your link, the first FACT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE DOING THE SWAP says "- All old clutch components including pilot bearing will work with the early internal slave AX15".

 

I thought that meant if, for example, you had an 87 and wantes to use the clutch from an 87.

I have an 87 and got the clutch for an 89 because the trans came from an 89.

I just want to be clear on this.

 

FWIW. NAPA, RockAuto, and Autozone (don't hate me for using them) all listed the same clutch bearings for the 87 and 89 XJ's with manual trannys.

 

That makes me feel a bit better.

But 89 was the split year, half was the Peugeot half was the AX.

I would hate to get ***** deep and run into an issue I could have taken care of in advance.

 

Ok Here's how I did my swap.
I got a AX15 with a external slave from a 94 donor XJ.
I had to use a 94 clutch but the pilot bearing that comes with both renix and 94 kits will not work.
I had to measure the bore inside the crank shaft and measure the output shaft on the AX15 and take those measurements to a person at a parts store that knew what they were doing. I ended up with a brass bushing that had to be drilled a tiny bit bigger.
For the slave cylinder I got as a whole unit from the dealer since it's prebled and more reliable than aftermarket. only catch is I had to open up the eyelet more to the clutch pedal.

 

I'm hoping that since the trans is Renix, and the Jeep is Renix, things will be easier.

I wish I'd gotten an external slave, tho.

 

Measure the pilot on your replacement gearbox.

The BA-10 had a pilot ~5/8" dia - if your AX-15i is also ~5/8", you're good.

Later AX-15 and NV3550 had a pilot ~7/8" - you'd need to change the pilot bushing. The early 1970's CJ w/V8-304 and three-speed manual is good for this, and it's a COTS part (saving you some digging.) The later pilot bushing won't work with the earlier crank, since the bores are different.