trans problems from towing???

[4x4dave]

RE: I need a new commuter...

I resently bought my brothers 1995 2.5L jeep wrangler with Transmission problem for very cheap. I think that the problem was caused by him towing it 300 so miles, with all 4 wheel on the ground, trans in nuetral and the transfer case in 2L. He did not know that the transfer case was supposed to be in neutral. He drove it around after he towed it for about 2 months with the 2nd gear causing him problems every so often. He dove it until the 2nd gear gave out. Now it will not shift into 2nd. Does the trans need to be rebuilt? If so what kind of cost will it be? Will the transfer case be ok? I just would like some idea before i take it to a trans shop

Thanks

 

[4x4dave]

Does the trans problem sound like it was caused by towing it?

 

[currupt4130]

Re: RE: how can i make power with a 4.2

well, if it isnt going into gear there is something wrong, wether its from towing or not can be left to speculation but, and im not just saying this cuz i've heard it, but those transmissions are junk. personally ive taken out two of them and that was with mild wheeling. im sure that relentless spinning of the componenets in the transmission without any load on it could have worn out the synchros on the second gear, at the moment i dont remember what mind looked like when i pulled into it before i trashed it, but second gear synchro is the first thing to go in those transmissions. the synchro could have been on its way out and towing it may have caused it. regardless, it needs to be looked at by a shop and no additive is going to fix it. on a lighter note, i have had transmissions do funny things like not work right for a little while and then start to work again, but it doesnt sound like that will be your case.

the tcase should be just fine, there is only one synchro in the case and its not even necessary (they did away with it when they put the 231 in the tj's) so if its slightly worn the fluid just needs to be changed, which the shop will do when they pull it. and i know i started doing all my own transmission work because the shops near me want 500 just to pull the transmission out and look at it, then add on labor and parts for rebuilding it and you have an easy 1000+.

good luck

 

[88Wrangles]

Drain the fluid and take a look at it. Does it look clean, or is it real dirty with even metal shavings or anything in it?

That will tell you a lot.

 

[Junkpile]

That's a tough decision when it comes to replacing that transmission. Rebuilding it is expensive, and it's not really worth the money. Second choice would be to get one from the junkyard, but they are so problematic that there is a good chance a junkyard unit won't last long or may already be shot. Third is to swap it for something better. The hurdles there are cost, time, and the ability/desire to do it.

I would try finding a low mileage used one first, then consider a rebuild if you aren't interested in a swap. Most junkyards around me offer a money back 30 day guarantee on transmissions.

 

[4x4dave]

Thanks for the info. I am going to bring it to a local trans shop and let them do the free check, not sure what they will do but I am not going to let them drop it because i know they will add a heavy cost to me. Lets see what they can find, hopefully something minor, but thats not likely.

 

[currupt4130]

like junkpile said you can rebuild it, which is expensive and a waste of money, get one from a junkyard, but problem here is most the ax-5's a junk anyway so the junkyards dont have them around, and third, swap in something better which is also costly and there isnt much that bolts into the place of it. but i do know of one transmission that is a good upgrade. the ax-15. i know you dont think it can be done, but trust me it can. if you want details let me know, i dont feel like doing the research at the moment to find all the links and writeups but there is one that will almost bolt in.

 

[TwistedCU]

I would try finding a low mileage used one first, then consider a rebuild if you aren't interested in a swap. Most junkyards around me offer a money back 30 day guarantee on transmissions.

That's really your best bet. The AX5 is expensive to rebuild and expensive to all out replace. Whatever you do, if you do stay with the AX5, once you get it squared away make sure you use the proper oil in it (not GL5 like the owners manual and shop manuals reccomend). It actually takes GL3, but it is hard to find (dealer?) or simply run a synthetic like Pennzoil synchromesh, Redline MT90, or Royal Purple.

There are few choices for a swap, easiest being another AX5, but some are better trannies. I wish I had this info when mine went up:
Quoted from 4bangersunited:

The Jeep AX5, Toyota G52, W55, W56, W57 and W58 5-speeds all share a common face pattern on the case. As such, any 88-99 Jeep 2.5L to AX5 bellhousing will bolt a Toyota W series transmission to a 60 degree GM bolt pattern.

http://www.westernalliance.info/4bangerjp/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3

 

[4x4dave]

RE: Jeep "Patriot" and "Rally" Concepts

My 1995 wrangler is a 2.5L automatic, is AX5 a manual trans? If so, what is my stock trans? Is rebuilding it still a waste of money? I called trans shop and i got a cost range to rebuild, $800-$1800. I still haven't got it to a trans shop because my main car is having problems now so i put off getting the jeep fixed right now, but I want to fix the jeep by the winter

 

[currupt4130]

ax-15 out of a 96-98 dodge, some bolt pattern as the bellhousing for the ax-5 and the 2.5 block

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

RE: aftermarket gas guage sending unit question

Have the transmission shop give you a quote if you deliver just the transmission to them.

Seems to me 'most' of the labor cost would be in removing and installing the transmission, something any shadetree mechanic should be able to do.