I decided to post this as a new thread for the current and future 4-banger crowd. If you're not modifying your ride and keeping it mostly stock, the AX5 will provide reasonable service life. Plus it fits!
I ordered a new AX5 from Central Ave Chrysler Jeep through Amazon.com. They still have a few NOS AX5's on the shelf
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZV5CJGW/?tag=wranglerorg-20
But I also got a reply to an inquiry I made with Omix-ADA on their AX5's p/n 18803.05. Turns out, these are brand-new Aisin built (OEM) transmissions right from Japan. I had assumed they were aftermarket knock-offs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034KOQ1C/?tag=wranglerorg-20
I ordered a new AX5 from Central Ave Chrysler Jeep through Amazon.com. They still have a few NOS AX5's on the shelf
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZV5CJGW/?tag=wranglerorg-20
But I also got a reply to an inquiry I made with Omix-ADA on their AX5's p/n 18803.05. Turns out, these are brand-new Aisin built (OEM) transmissions right from Japan. I had assumed they were aftermarket knock-offs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034KOQ1C/?tag=wranglerorg-20