REMOVING AX-15 TRANSMISSION:

Since this will be the second time I've removed the transmission in my Jeep, I knew what to expect as far as removing the AX-15. It's fairly easy and straight forward removal, just a matter of time. I started by removing the shifter and dust boot. This way when it's time to lower the transmission down, nothing gets hung-up. I then removed the transfer case skid plate, suspending both the transmission and transfer case by nothing but a jack. From here I removed both drivelines and began removing the transfer case from the AX-15. This is very simple with 6 easy access bolts connecting the transmission to the transfer case. After removing all the linkage and mounting brackets I lowered the transferals down using a 3-ton floor jack. From here I removed the transmission. This is fairly easy by just removing the bellhousing mounting brackets from the 4.2L engine. The only hard ones to reach are the top two bolts, nothing a couple ratchet extensions couldn't help with. From here I lowered the transmission down. This procedure isn't that easy, just a couple wiggles and tugs on the back of the transmission will allow the input gear to slide out. See Haynes repair manual for more detailed removal procedures. Below are some misc. pictures.

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INSTALLING TF-999 (automatic):

This was going to be my first automatic transmission installation, so all this was new to me. I started by buying all the necessary components that an automatic transmission Jeep would have. Such as a flexplate instead of a flywheel, which I picked up at local parts store for about $55.00. It only took the parts store two days to have one for me. The brand I used is a Pioneer part no.# FRA-410 (as shown in the picture below.) Also, when mounting the flexplate I later realized I was going to need shorter flywheel bolts. The 5-speed (old) flywheel was much thicker and used a 1" long bolt. For the automatic application I used 1/2" long bolts. (grade-8 of course, using lock-tite as well). These bolts were snugged up with the required 55lbs. of pressure. The dust cover that my AX-15 used was going to work just fine, although it has a couple of differences; nothing that required changes except cutting a hole in the cover to access the torque converter mounting bolts. This leads us to the torque converter. I used a factory style torque converter. For mounting the torque converter, I used (4) 5/8" by 1/2" long grade-8 bolts with lock-tite. These bolts were tightened down to the spec's.

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