Swapping an AX-15 5-speed out of a Jeep into a 617 Mercedes - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

t walgamuth · #16 11-02-2015, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

I didn't see anything about this in your previous posts but what are you going to do about the transfer case? Did they ever make a 2wd variety of the AX-15?

In his initial write up he mentions the tranny is for 2wd jeeps and Dakotas.

Very nice write up! Looks like it has real possibilities.

Mölyapina · #17 11-02-2015, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

I didn't see anything about this in your previous posts but what are you going to do about the transfer case? Did they ever make a 2wd variety of the AX-15?

Yeah, and that's probably one of the hardest parts, finding a 2WD 4.0 Cherokee in New England (the 2.5 came with the weaker AX5)! I've looked at the Dakota AX-15, but using it would still require me to get my hands on a Jeep AX-15 bellhousing so that I could use the adapter kit, and since 2WD AX-15 sometimes go for cheap money, (because everyone wants the 4WD ones), I'm just biding my time until I find one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

In his initial write up he mentions the tranny is for 2wd jeeps and Dakotas.

Very nice write up! Looks like it has real possibilities.

Thanks! Long as the silly thing fits in the tunnel

.

dieselbenz1 · #18 11-02-2015, 07:40 AM

Nice project I wouldn't put too much thought into flywheel weight lighter will spool up quicker down fall you may have to feather the clutch a bit more on a launch. Russel fittings is your friend when adapting hydralic lines but lots of other options. Instead of using the fork style clutch you could use a concentric clutch and save some space if needed.

Wondering what clearance you are shooting for the trany and tunnel? I seem to recall the AX-15 was also used in some Chevys if they were in cars they may have moved the shifter back further?

Simpler=Better · #19 11-02-2015, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jooseppi Luna

Here's a crude illustration of what I'm imagining:

This will probably work just fine, and hack up the radio area a little bit. Just don't make the handle/knob too heavy or it will pop out of gear when you hit bumps.

ROLLGUY · #20 11-02-2015, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gatorblue92

I didn't see anything about this in your previous posts but what are you going to do about the transfer case? Did they ever make a 2wd variety of the AX-15?

I had the same question as well, and had not heard of an AX15 in a 2WD version. I actually have a 4WD AX15 and the adapter to a 617 that I will be using in my 300D 4X4 project that I will (may) get to one day. Another thing you might think about, is an adapter from the 4WD tail shaft and housing to 2WD. I have seen in some larger (Dodge I think) 2WD pickups that have what looks like a 4WD trans, but no transfer case. The tail housing has an aluminum housing that bolts up to the flange of the 4WD trans (same bolt pattern as all NP transfer cases), and has a yoke for the U-joint. That might be an easier solution for the hard to find 2WD AX15. I only paid $150 for the complete 4WD AX15 that I have, and that included the flywheel, clutch, and all the misc parts to go with it.....Rich

t walgamuth · #21 11-02-2015, 11:09 AM

Since you don't know if its going to work for you perhaps advertise on a jeep forum or such for a non working tranny to use for mocking up....?

Mxfrank · #22 11-02-2015, 11:55 AM

I've done several transmission swaps in my day, but not on a Mercedes. Here are a few random thoughts:

- Driveshaft. Since the output shaft of the transmission will still be in line with the crankshaft, the entire assembly can be installed in correct alignment as long as you can find an appropriate transmission mount. That would allow you to use the stock driveshaft, although you would then have the problem of finding an output flange that would mate with the front guibo. Ironically, the alternative of using two u-joints is sub optimal because the power team and rear axle can't help but to be nearly in line. A twin u-joint shaft really needs about 3 degrees of mismatch to avoid premature wear.

- Do you know the distance you need from the front face of the transmission to the shifter base? I may be able to suggest an alternative if you have this dimension. Dellow in Australia or Conversion Components in NZ make shifter relocation kits for various Toyota boxes, and may be able to do something for you.

http://dellowconversions.com.au
Conversion Components

- W59? You are a Toyota fan. The R154 would be special, but I think that's pretty big. Parts are a problem for all the Toyota boxes. The ubiquitous BW (Tremec) T5 will have more options as far as case dimensions and shifter location, and ample parts availability.

- A lighter flywheel will rev up faster, it's like getting free horsepower. The heavier flywheel will engage more smoothly, and idle better. If it was me, I would try to use a Mercedes flywheel and clutch cover. That keeps it simple.

- Mind the pilot bushing and input shaft length. Machining a transmission main shaft is not a job to be done casually by a guy with a lathe. Main shafts are case hardened: very tough near the surface, so that they wear well and have strength, softer on the inside so that they have the resilience to handle shock loads. It's the finest example of metallurgy in a car, except maybe the crank. And that's not even considering the tight tolerances. Turning the shaft and machining the splines leaves you with a weak transmission.

- Think about your speedometer. If the donor isn't cable driven, can you find the innards of an electronic speedometer to match your dash? If it is cable driven, can you find or make a conversion cable? Are there different speedo gears available for the transmission? A lot of conversions are spoiled by non-working speedos, only discovered at the end of a very expensive job.

Mölyapina · #23 11-02-2015, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dieselbenz1

Nice project I wouldn't put too much thought into flywheel weight lighter will spool up quicker down fall you may have to feather the clutch a bit more on a launch. Russel fittings is your friend when adapting hydralic lines but lots of other options. Instead of using the fork style clutch you could use a concentric clutch and save some space if needed.

Wondering what clearance you are shooting for the trany and tunnel? I seem to recall the AX-15 was also used in some Chevys if they were in cars they may have moved the shifter back further?

The reason I'm interested in the heavier flywheel is because MB sold the NA 617 manuals with a 38 lb flywheel as opposed to the 28 lb one in the 240D. Supposedly, it really helps smooth the engine out, and I would also be happy with the low-end grunt. I don't tend to rev my engines very high, anyway, but I really love a smooth idle and low-end torque, which is why I'm interested in a heavier flywheel.

The MA5 is the GM version of the AX15... the shifter tower is further back, but on top of a large bump, so I don't see how it could fit without major tunnel "re-engineering'

.

Mölyapina · #24 11-02-2015, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

Since you don't know if its going to work for you perhaps advertise on a jeep forum or such for a non working tranny to use for mocking up....?

Unfortunately, most of them require a minimum post count to post ads

... I just check the classifieds sections regularly and search the local CLs.

Mölyapina · #25 11-02-2015, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

This will probably work just fine, and hack up the radio area a little bit. Just don't make the handle/knob too heavy or it will pop out of gear when you hit bumps.

I was thinking that I could keep the extension in the tunnel... so then the shifter should actually come through the regular opening.

Mölyapina · #26 11-02-2015, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I had the same question as well, and had not heard of an AX15 in a 2WD version. I actually have a 4WD AX15 and the adapter to a 617 that I will be using in my 300D 4X4 project that I will (may) get to one day. Another thing you might think about, is an adapter from the 4WD tail shaft and housing to 2WD. I have seen in some larger (Dodge I think) 2WD pickups that have what looks like a 4WD trans, but no transfer case. The tail housing has an aluminum housing that bolts up to the flange of the 4WD trans (same bolt pattern as all NP transfer cases), and has a yoke for the U-joint. That might be an easier solution for the hard to find 2WD AX15. I only paid $150 for the complete 4WD AX15 that I have, and that included the flywheel, clutch, and all the misc parts to go with it.....Rich

I don't think there is anything like that for AX15. You can swap 2WD and 4WD tailcones, but you also have to swap the entire output shaft out at the same time. I would think that designing and making an adapter for the 4WD tranny would take at least as long (and probably cost more money) than finding an 2WD AX15.

Junkman · #27 11-03-2015, 12:16 PM

Car-part.com,is the retail side of the junk yard network

Simpler=Better · #28 11-04-2015, 09:58 AM

For the speedo get a motorcycle Vapor ? TrailTech unit, they're easy to re-calibrate.

southofantarctica · #29 11-11-2015, 01:38 PM

Something like this has be talked about, over on STD. Little more complicated, but nicer end result.

Not my image.

Mölyapina · #30 11-11-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by southofantarctica

Something like this has be talked about, over on STD. Little more complicated, but nicer end result.

Not my image.

Yeah, I saw that in Captain America's thread... I'm trying to figure out a way to keep the stock interior layout, which is why I wasn't really considering it.