AX5 / NP231 fit question

[Mark Pate]

Greetings:

I have a 97 2.5 SE with the AX5/NP231. I also have an 88 MJ with the same combination. I am in the process of putting together a 6cyl conversion on the MJ and before I sell the transmission/TC combo I thought it may be wise to keep it in case the tranny goes out in the TJ. I also have an external slave AX15/NP231 available from a XJ but that looks like a whole lot more money and trouble than its worth, Advance Adapters $2300 plus the driveshafts. I put a reman engine in the TJ, what I should have done is pull the whole drivetrain out of the MJ but its my DD.

I did some research and discovered they changed the output shaft of the AX5 in 97. My question is if I leave the TC from the MJ married to that tranny can I use the 88 MJ AX5/NP231 in the 97 TJ? I know the TC will need to be clocked.

 

[MallCrawlOnTons]

Does the 88 tcase have the same speed sensor that will hook up to your TJ?

The early ax5 is 21 spline. Later being a 23 spline I’m guessing?
Around 94 the ax5 went to external slave cylinder. I personally wouldn’t keep the pre-internal slave ax5 around for backup. Again, only my opinion, nothing more. Unless it’s really cheap or easy to swap the internal to external.

Novak adapters has a decent amount of tech in their knowledge base section. But not much on the “weak” ax5.
Link: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge

 

[Mark Pate]

Thanks...didn't consider the speed sensor. I should think the external slave bellhousing on the 97 would match up to the 88 transmission. I was thinking that retaining the 88 TC would eliminate the problem with the output shaft change. The AX5 in the 97 has been replaced per previous owner. Currently it is not giving any problems but I'm sure that is subject to change. I may just get rid of the 88 combo, everyone thinks an AX5 is worthless but there are plenty of people out there that will pay a couple hundred dollars for one.

 

[Chris]

I can't answer this one as I don't know for sure, but I do know who would know... Novak. It might be worth giving them a call to see what they say.