aw4 or ax15?

[familyxj]

Newbie here,
I have an opportunity to get an xj with a chevy vortec 4.3 for pretty cheap. I think it has an ax15 5 speed manual. I have searched the forums and it appears as though the aw4 auto is stronger. Would I be smart to swap out the ax15 for the aw4 or would either one hold up just as well. Also would either one bolt up to the np 231 without problems? Finally, how can I tell easily if it is in fact an ax15?
Thanks

 

[BrettM]

i've never heard of or seen an AX15 (jeep tranny) bolted to a Chevy motor?? the AW4 is a great tranny. However the much bigger question to ask here is do you want a manual or auto!? The AX15 (assuming it's not some weird Chevy version) and the AW4 both bolt up to the right np231 with ease.

 

[renegade_z71]

the 4.3 has the same bell housing as a v8 chevy so the if it is a ax15 it is probably a aa adapter.

 

[Goatman]

The power of the 4.3 and the 4.0 is similar, so the trans is easily strong enough. The real question is do you want a stick or auto, and it's not real easy to put an AW4 in a stick equiped rig.

 

[JeepSpeed]

Keep the AX-15. From what I know, it's 99% as strong as an AW4. Also, there will be hassles with a swap. And a 4.3L is almost exactley the same power level as a 4.0L, so tranny strenght really problably won't be an issue without other factors involved.

 

[87xjeep]

i swaped my pouget out for a ax15 and it is great have not had a problem yet been running it for 2 years