If you need to rebuild your AX15 transmission or are a repair or 4×4 shop seeking instructional guidance for your techs, see the how-to rebuild step-by-step video available here at the magazine and at the magazine’s YouTube Channel. The freshly built AX15 transmission shown is a “textbook” rebuild. Many have saved considerable time and expense by using this available video and quality replacement parts.
I enjoy rebuilding the AX15 transmissions. A more sophisticated unit than most domestic (U.S. design) Jeep gearboxes, the Aisin AX15 borrows architecture from European and Asian transmission designs. Fitting parts precisely, taking careful measurements of the tolerances, and deciding whether to reuse or replace various parts are just some of the reasons why the AX15 is a much busier, yet gratifying, transmission to rebuild. Some find this daunting.
Due to popularity and reasonable parts sources, the Jeep Aisin AX5 and Jeep AX15 transmissions remain serviceable. Jeep dealerships, 4WD transmission shops and Jeep owners can rebuild these transmissions, and both Mopar and aftermarket service parts are still available. Having rebuilt light-, medium- and heavy-duty truck manual and automatic transmissions for more than 50 years, I view the AX-series units as “busy” designs from a service standpoint. If, after carefully considering the ‘how-to’ steps and photos, you decide not to rebuild your original transmission, consider a new and complete replacement Aisin unit from Advance Adapters.
AX15 versions include the Jeep® (YJ/TJ/XJ), Dodge Dakota, GM/Isuzu and some Toyota (A150-series) transmissions. You will want to check out the synchromesh parts design issue for the 3rd/4th synchronizer assembly on late AX15 Jeep transmissions. There is an excellent discussion at the 4WD Mechanix ‘Tech and Travel’ Forums regarding “earlier” versus “late” 3rd/4th gear synchro parts and other AX15 issues, click here!—Moses Ludel
