I'm swapping a 360 into my '90 YJ with the AX15 5sp.

I know the bellhousinfg bolts up, and the pilot bearing is the same size, and the tranny input diametre and spline count all match with the 360 stock clutch disk.

The question is regarding the slave cylinder and throwout bearing. I'd like to stick with the AX15 hydraulic throwout, and use a CenterforceII pressure plate and disk. Will the hydraulic throwout work properly with regards to amount of throw, and full engagement/disengagement???

This swap needs to happen soon, and I want to advoid unforseen snags. So I need hard info, not fuzzy logic answers.

Thanks

AA lists different parts for the throwout bearing depending on mechanical or hydraulic clutch. Don't have the numbers handy, but you could either call them or look in your handy-dandy catalog. It's in the little table that shows which clutch disk/pressure plate combo to use.

Do you think the AX-15 will hold up to 360 power? I have never heard of anyone doing this swap. Sorry, no tech info on this one, good luck though ;)

Originally posted by Keith Strong
Do you think the AX-15 will hold up to 360 power? I have never heard of anyone doing this swap. Sorry, no tech info on this one, good luck though ;)

There's only one way to find out :D

Actually I have heard of a couple, and I don't tend to be toooo abusive, and if it lasts for just one year I'll be happy, as I'll hopefully have the cash for the NVG4500 by then.

Well here's the scoop.

It appears that it is actually as simple as it seems.

AMC 360, stock flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, and pilot bearing. AX15, stock bellhousing using internal hydraulic throwout bearing.

The only issue appears to be if you want to run a Centerforce Dual Friction, as the additional pressure puts too much strain on the throwout, and will likely blow it out. This doesn't appear to be a problem as the stock 360 clutch is a strong 3 finger design that apparently holds quite well. If the Centerforce was a must, you could use a post '95 bellhousing($200 CAN from a local wrecker), and this would allow you to use an external slave, and upgrade to a stronger slace and master cyl.

I'll post the results once I'm done for the sake of the search engine, the parts should all be here in a week, and hopefully on the road again in a month(long time for a swap, but doing a bunch of other stuff at the same time.)

Damn! Easy as a $2 hooker in vegas. :D Let us know how it holds up

OK change in plans. It turns out that AMC 360 flywheels are scarce as hen's teeth. One of the local Chrysler dealers thought he had found some down in the states, but he goofed and actually found 258 flywheels.

This ironically turned out to be a GREAT thing!!!!!!


The dealer put me in touch with a shop on the mainland (Jeep Thrills), that will rebalance a 304 flywheel for the 360 for $75CAN.

I could have my 4.0HO flywheel balanced for the same price, but I want to keep it with the engine so I can sell it easier, and a used flywheel from the same place is $90CAN. The really cool part is that I can use my 4.0HO clutch and pressure plate on the re-balanced 304 flywheel. This eliminates the concerns about the hydraulic throwout bearing, as it is now working with the pressure plate it is designed for.!!!!!

Does this mean you can bot up a T-18 behind a 4 banger and get rid of the AX-5?

360 flywheels are pretty common on full size jeeps. problem is, those might not be to common in canadia ;)

a stock 360 only puts out 195 hp and 285 ft lbs max, so the AX15 should be fine. however, if you beef it even slightly (exhaust, intake, carb) you can get up to 250 hp and 350 ft lbs real quick.

you might wanna consider a t18a if you can find it for cheaper than an nv4500

will the t-18a bolt up to the AX5 bell housing>

Originally posted by WillyPete
360 flywheels are pretty common on full size jeeps. problem is, those might not be to common in canadia ;)



I really don't know what the flywheel situation is in canadia as I've never been there. I can tell you that in Canada they are pretty scarce :p

Problem for me with regards to a T18 is final drive ratio, as I am running 4.88's, and need the overdrive. Besides its only money

Originally posted by Johncm
will the t-18a bolt up to the AX5 bell housing>

Would seem logical based on what i've found out.

Ya know Jeap Thrills has NO machine shop themselves right ?

Although 75 sounds cheep enuf - you could prolley have Lordco take care of it ( or some other auto machine shop ) ON the island for the same or cheeper.