Well Boys, its no easy task finding a good used transmission for cheap. I've decided to attempt to rebuild the one I have myself. I posted a thread a couple weeks ago asking around for a good used AX15 trans for my TJ, but no luck. There just hard to find and if you do...here's my arm and leg! The problem I am having is: every time I go to take off in 1st gear, as soon as I apply the gas "BANG" it pops out of gear. I've been having to start off in 2nd gear if I want to go anywhere. I checked my mounts and shifter boot, all good. I do not have any kind of lift yet so that isn't the problem. Last weekend I pulled the tranny out and took it apart. After inspection I found first gear and the first gear sleeve teeth worn. I also found excessive side-to-side clearance in the syncro but it did not apear to be damaged badly. I've ordered the gear, sleeve and all the syncros so hopefully this will fix the problem. I'll keep you guys posted on how I make out.

 

Sounds like you found the problem and the fix.

Not being a mechanic, I couldn't see myself pulling a transmission and tearing it down unless I absolutely had to and had really good, detailed instructions.

You can find a complete Mopar parts list for your 98 Tj on scribd.com.

Search Jeep TJ 1998 - Wrangler MOPAR Parts Catalog.

If you need more info on your 98, send me a PM.

Cheers

 

Well, its been almost two months since I last posted that I was going to attempt to rebuild my AX15 and I'm now finished. Finished rebuilding and installing the trans this past weekend. Everything went smoothly with the rebuild. I found a AX15 rebuild manual online and just followed the steps, easy. The 50 ton press in my shop was about the most useful tool I used for this job. I was worried when I first drove the Jeep out the door. Even though I knew everything went together properly, there is always that small doubt in the back of your mind. I guess that's normal for a first time trans rebuild. Well, it works great. First gear now engages and holds at high RPM's without popping out of gear. Even the feel of shifting into first gear is noticeably better, more of a clunk into gear. Feels great! I wouldn't mind doing a few more of these jobs in the future. By the way, if any of you guy's need cheap OEM parts for your manual transmissions in the future try out www.mackstrans.com in Houston, Texas; I highly recommend them.

 

Glad to hear your back on the road again.

 

did you take any pics to share with everyone . a good idea when someone is doing somethink like this is to wright up a DIY then others can use how you did it to help them .