Auto to manual transmission swap (TF-727 to AX-15) in a 1991 Grand Wagoneer

[Tin Medic]

That is a great write-up. I will use it when I swap my 727 for the NSG370.

[CJ the noisemaker]

So how is the overdrive? I know I wanted to go overdrive as well, but in an automatic.

[MtnYJ]

That is a great write-up. I will use it when I swap my 727 for the NSG370.

Thanks! I'd love to get my hands on one of those 6 speeds! I actually wanted to do a 6 speed or an NV3550, but the AX-15s are cheap and plentiful around here...

So how is the overdrive? I know I wanted to go overdrive as well, but in an automatic.

The engine actually bogs down a little at 55-65 MPH. We're running 3.31 axle gears and 32" tires. I think when we go to 33" tires we'll need to go to 4.11 axle gears. I would guess that with an auto, given the torque multiplication of the torque converter you'd be doing pretty well assuming similar axle gears and tires...

[Carnuck]

There are 2 different O/D gear ratios in the AW4s. .70 ('91 up) and .75 from '87 to 08/90. All the 23 spline ones except a few '90s are .70

[msh227]

I know this is an older thread....... but did I miss how you connected the bellhousing to the engine? Does the AX15 bellhousing bolt right to the 360 or did you have to make your own adaptor?

Thanks

[mdill]

The 258/360/4.0 all had the same bolt pattern/crank offset, crank bolt pattern ... Bolt up deal (there are a couple that might need work (~10:00 and 2:00 o-clock bolts, not used on the I-6 but are on the V8)

I know this is an older thread....... but did I miss how you connected the bellhousing to the engine? Does the AX15 bellhousing bolt right to the 360 or did you have to make your own adaptor?

Thanks

[Jeepguy77]

You only need an adapter for the tcase. If you go with an NP231 you don't need it. But other NP cases and dana 300 cases need a spacer plate. I found that you can bolt a dana 20 to it with an adapter. Advance has them cheaper than Novak.

[mdill]

There is the wierd ~7/8" that pops up depending on what Jeep case to what tranny you are swaping. (I think Novak has the data on what needs it what does not )

You only need an adapter for the tcase. If you go with an NP231 you don't need it. But other NP cases and dana 300 cases need a spacer plate. I found that you can bolt a dana 20 to it with an adapter. Advance has them cheaper than Novak.

[Carnuck]

When I test fit the NP208 and NP229 I had to an AX-15 and AW4 ('91 up for 23 spline) the spacer ring was 15/16" thick. Thinner than that and it would bind up the trans and/or tcase.

[fulsizjeep]

awesome picture!

[MtnYJ]

I know this is an older thread....... but did I miss how you connected the bellhousing to the engine? Does the AX15 bellhousing bolt right to the 360 or did you have to make your own adaptor?

Thanks

The others summed it up pretty well. No adapter was needed on the engine/transmission side. It's been a while, I don't recall exactly which bolt, but one of the stock bellhousing to block bolts from the Waggy was too long to use with the AX-15; difference in thickness of the 727 and AX-15 bell housing castings in that area I believe.

Flint re-posted the picture of the only "adapter" required on that side!

[81cherokee laredo]

Awesome write up someone needs to add this to the archives

[jaber]

Thanks for the writeup.

[Lindel]

Should be the same between the 4.0 and the 360.

[Jonathan M.]

Update?

MtnYJ, Hey there, I was looking to do the same swap on my 83 Wagoneer. I have heard both good and bad things about the AX 15 I was just wondering how the swap has gone for you? Have you had any failures or other problems related to the swap?