AX-15 problem

[Axle]

Clutch works, but the shifter is stuck in forth gear and won't let go.  What's the problem?  94 YJ Sahara, 4.0, Ax-15.  One of my students.  Any help from the YJ guys?

[rocket]

did you try rocking or rolling it while pulling on the shifter?  if that doesnt' work, a BFH always works!

[kirksjeep]

A 94 YJ with a 4.0 would have a AX-15 not a AX-5(AX-5 was used in 4 bangers).  Now the bad news, I had the same problem with my YJ.  5th Gear is known for splitting and sticking it self on the shifter rail.  Mine stuck in 3rd gear, but same idea.  I pulled mine out myself and took it to a shop.  It cost me $350 to have it fixed, but that was back in 2002 and in South Carolina.  Another option would be to look for a working AX-15, try car-parts.com  .  Anything from 92-99 should work, but don't quote me on that.  If he decides to fix it, have him call around for quotes.  I was quoted $1500 for AAMCO, and the smalled the shop, the lower the price.  Granted I didn't get a nationwide guarntee, but at the time my Jeep was 10 years old, and I could replace 5th gear many times for $350.  Since the repair, no problems.  One other thing to consider is that the fluid for the AX-15 is $$$.  I forget what it is called off the top of my head, but it is rare.  The Jeep dealer sells it for like $8 a quart, but a Chevy dealer sells it for $6.  I found Redline Full Synthethic for $6 a quart.  It takes 5 quarts so its not a cheap item.

[Axle]

Just what I was looking for, Kirk.  Thanks a lot!  I'll let him know.  I had him check the clutch reservoir, and he said it was about half full.  I know that's not the problem, but it couldn't hurt.

[kirksjeep]

Glad I could help.  Some other things you might want to pass along, is to check the clutch when the transmission is off.  It is a lot easier to replace the clutch when everything is already off.  I didn't replace mine, but only because it was in great shape.  The only PITA part of doing the work yourself is getting the tranny back in.  I tried to lay on my back and put it back in, but that sucker is heavy.  I ended up renting a tranny jack and it slid right back in.  I did the whole project in my driveway by myself, so its not that bad.

[PaulW]

Ya just replace the trans.  I found mine on craigslist when i needed the 5 speed for my last truck.