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AX-5 Transmission rebuild? - 1988 5-speed Wrangler.

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by PeteL, Aug 13, 2015.

  1. Aug 13, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Any one rebuilt the Wrangler 5-speed from 1988 era? Is is easy enough to be worth doing myself? Any issues to beware of?

    So far I have not located a source for a rebuild manual - suggestions welcome.

    I think I have a bad bearing noise, especially while in 3rd and 5th. Only 90,000 original miles.
     
    Last edited: Aug 13, 2015
  2. Aug 13, 2015
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Replace with an AX-15.
    The AX-5 is notorious for issues and gears are getting extremely expensive. Once you tear it apart you are committed. The last couple I did took at least two "working" transmissions to put together and still had hard parts to purchase.
     
  3. Aug 13, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Thanks for the feedback. I know the AX-5 has a poor history. But... I don't have the time or money to open a new can of worms. (This is my DD.)

    Is my understanding correct that the AX-15 requires a bunch of extra parts/effort to swap? Or is it simple/foolproof?

    I would do a full clutch package in either case.
     
  4. Aug 14, 2015
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
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    Look for a good used one and be done. Not worth the hassle.
     
  5. Aug 14, 2015
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
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    Fwiw... The ax4 in my MJ makes noise... Has for a long while now.
     
  6. Aug 15, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Yeah, I doubt I'm going to rebuild it myself, and I may keep driving it a while and see if the noise gets worser faster.

    On the other hand, I hope it doesn't destroy a lot of parts.

    Just checking my options.
     
  7. Aug 15, 2015
    technologyteacher

    technologyteacher Member

    Elkin NC
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    Oct 12, 2009
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    897
    I have a spare AX5 that I keep. I think I've now put more sets of tires than transmissions in. It has not been the case until recently. I'm currently running an ax5 that I bought locally on eBay for $50. It makes a lot of noise shifting. But I think I've got my money out of it. At some point I'll have to look for a suitable upgrade
     
  8. Aug 27, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    So it seemed an AX-15 upgrade with all the parts needed would have been about twice the money, plus no one around here would do it for me (not even the off-road Jeep shop).

    So I have just put in a remanufactured AX-5 by myself, and will keep my fingers crossed. Try not to hate me.

    I may live to regret it, but his jeep is not used hard off road.
     
  9. Aug 29, 2015
    dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    western New York
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    Do you live anyplace close to western NY state,I have a AX-5 still in a rotted out YJ if it would help you out.....Jim
     
  10. Aug 29, 2015
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Thanks for that fine offer, but I hope I will not have any more issues. The new one seems to test-drive okay.
     
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