Full Size Jeep Network

Hello, FSJ 'ers. I got an '80 Cherokee 4d with the stock 4.2 and t176. Looks like the tired old mill just took a turn, maybe sucked a valve. This summer, I want to do a 4.0 swap, but am now considering including the AX-15 while I'm at it. Earlier I'd considered a np435, but now think the overdrive trans may be the ticket. Just curious about length, and where things would end up under the jeep? Is the AX-15 shorter? I would like to retain my np208, but if everything's going to be moved forward, and I have to change the linkage and all that, I'll skip the hassle and keep the t176. Thank you kindly, amigos!

Sorry for the triple post

Not a lot of personal experience with this, but I know a little about the components.

The T-176 has a 12.9" OAL versus the 16.5" length of the AX15. These numbers are given on the Novak web site - lots of good info there. This will move your transfer case to the rear. Swaps like this sometimes interfere with the gas tank, but I expect this new combo will be no longer then the automatics in this chassis, and it'll be ok. Something to check before you start. You'll need to work out the new cross member placement, mount for the transmission, new driveshaft lengths, brake cables, speedometer cable, and likely other stuff I have overlooked.

Novak sells an AX15 to AMC engines adapter, but I expect it would be easier to use the original bell from the 4.0L and adapt the clutch linkage. The original AX15 bell will have a location for the factory CPS, which you will need.

https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/ada ... nv3550-amc

From the picture on the Novak page, you can see that the shifter exits the AX15 more to the rear. There may be other shifter parts that will move the shifter forward from the pictured location - something more to investigate. Certainly the pictured shifter location is several inches further to the rear than the T-176 shifter.

Thank tgreese. Maybe not worth the effort at this time, but maybe in the future. Now to hunt down the best second hand 4.0 I can find by the summer...

Im building [been building for 10 years now] a '81 Cherokee with 360/AX15/NP208. Novac makes a TO bearing for the conversion and the AX15 meets the torque rating of the V8. You'll also need a 7/8" spacer to adapt the T-case to the transmission. I used to sell a 7/8" aluminum adapter but stopped. I believe Advance Adapters still makes them. However, before spending a lot of money on adapting the 208 just install the original NV231/241. Using the 4L with the AX15 may push the shifter back another 6" to the rear. If you bent the shifter straight up, it maybe usable in the new position.

Yeah, I was kind of worried about the shifter position. How do most people deal with it? Bending it like said or making a new hole?

9.3x62 wrote: ↑Wed Mar 13, 2024 7:43 pm Yeah, I was kind of worried about the shifter position. How do most people deal with it? Bending it like said or making a new hole?

Making a new hole is easy. Getting the shifter to a comfortable position takes more work. IMO, modifying or building a new shifter stick shouldn't be much work. With my V8 its in the same spot as the 4 speed was but the combination is a lot longer pushing the Tcase rear ward.