AX-15 in a CJ-5???

Im new here so bear with me..
I have had a 81 CJ-5 for a long time. Ten years ago I tossed the engine and trans. My origional plan was to put a chevy V-6 and SM 420 with a d300. That was 10 years ago. Now I have drug the JEEP out and am ready to get to work. I am looking at a 93 4.0 and AX-15 trans and a d300. This seems to be a long setup. Will there be any room for my rear driveshaft??? I have the SM-420 and trans adapt for the d300 and the d300. When measured it would be 33 3/4 inches long. That seems pretty long too. I believe the AX-15 and d300 is around 34 inches. These measurements are with bellhousings. I have 33s and 4.11 or 4.10 (dont remember whats available for these) and detroit locker in the rear. Has anyone put an AX-15 in a CJ-5???????

THANKS

 

I don't recall anyone here doing it, but I expect it will be a tight fit. Conventional wisdom says that the 5-speeds other than the T-5 are too long for the CJ-5 chassis. I think you can probably do it, but it may involve some compromises that you won't be happy with (ie very short rear driveshaft, lack of articulation at the rear axle). You'll have to get out your tape and see.

You could possibly get a little more rear driveshaft length with an engine other than the 4.0L. Novak sells an adapter to the SBC that would let you use the Gen II or Gen III SBC and scoot the trans/TC forward a little.

Welcome from Boston.

 

Thats what im afraid of. So basicly people arent putting the SM 420 and d300 in CJ-5s either??? They seem to be about the same length due to the adapter length.

 

No, the truck 4-speeds (SM420, SM465, NP435, T18, T19) are used in a CJ-5 all the time. Novak says the SM420 and adapter for the D18 is 15.2" long. I thought the AX15 and NP3550 are longer than these though, but if the length is comparable to the SM420 and adapter, it should work. Do you have these parts yet?

 

I have a SM 420 with advanced adapters kit and d300. I can get a bellhousing for around $400. The 420 is 10 1/2 inches but the adapter is 5 1/4 inches. Transfer case to the center of U joint is 11 1/2 inch. Bellhousing is 6 1/2 inches. For a total of 33 3/4 from engine block to center of U joint.

 

OK, so I have been on the phone and this is what I got..

NOVAK, they say NO

Advanced Adapters, they say it may be possibble

Border Parts, they say probably

M.I.T. , Im waiting for a retun call.

So withought my motor in my jeep its hard to tell exactly where the yoke will end up.
Im really hopeing somebody here can HELP!!!

 

Hey, I think you are going to have to measure and decide based on the expected length of the rear driveshaft. If you know what the ride height will be, you can determine what the distance between the yokes will be and what angle you will have. That will tell the story.

Basically every answer so far has been "no" or "maybe" ... no unequivocal "yes" so far, and the most negative answer came from possibly the most reputable authority on this stuff. I think this means that the combo will be long enough so that making it work will be hard ... too hard for anybody to stick their necks out and recommend that you do it.

 

I've done lots of engine, transmission, transfer case, and axle conversions on Jeeps. Each and every one has come out slightly different which makes it hard to for sure say yes or no. If you wanted to extend the wheel base and push the engine as far forward as possible then it could probably be done.

You're just going to have to get out the tape measure and take some very careful measurements.

 

You are right guys...
OK, I think it would only be about 10" long. I may get about 2 more if I put an elec. fan IN FRONT of the radiator (not sure that they work good enough). So basicly 12" would be the max. I only have stock springs with long shackles in the rear and spring over in the front.

What is the shortest recomended length for mostly off road and take kids to sporting events close to home.
I know there is angle issues to help determine the answer but I dont know what the angle will be.