[TJRoller]

First of all, I have a 1998 Jeep Wrangler with the 4.0 and the AX-15(I think) manual 5 speed. I just got my Tranny serviced this saturday. I had them flush it with ATF and refill it with 75-90 gear oil. Monday on my way to work, I noticed that it was getting harder to shift into first and second. I'm pretty sure it isn't the clutch. If it were, I'm assuming that it would be slipping while driving, and that it wouldn't do this in just the first two gears. Where should I begin to troubleshoot this problem? The last thing I need is for this Jeep to break down on me....

On a side note(for those of you who followed the great t-case delema), the T-Case install on my wife's Jeep is done. It was interesting, but I got the old YJ case mounted up to the TJ with only a few stumbling blocks. It drives smoother than it ever did now. Thanks to everyone for all of the help and the links to the write-ups.

Brian

 

[TJRoller]

btt <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/usa.gif" border="0">

 

[Rwsj]

Use Red Line MT-90 trans lube.

 

[Robert]

The Wranglers run an internal slave cylinder for the clutch. Internal because it is inside the belhousing.
They are known to leak.
It is possible for one to leak, and suck air into the system, causing the clutch to only partially release. Check the clutch fluid level.
The clutch itself may be binding or warped, causing an incomplete release.
Check for a clutch release problem by checking your engine idle speed at a stop, with tranny in neutral, and clutch pedal released. Then push the clutch pedal all the way to the floor and put the tranny into gear. There should be NO affect on the engine idle speed. If the speed drops, the clutch is dragging. Also check to see if the the clutch is engaging at its normal point, or if it engages right off the floor.
If all this is ok, then the tranny is sick.
The AX15 was the beefed up tranny in the Wrangler lineup, but they are still a POS <IMG SRC="smilies/flipoff.gif" border="0"> AX15. The AX15 in my 90 YJ also went bad. All the tranny shops I spoke with told me not to bother rebuilding it, just replace it with something better.
I went T98 with 6.67:1 first gear. Much better tranny, and was cheaper to swap in than the AX15.

[ 09-19-2001: Message edited by: Robert ]

 

[TJRoller]

Robert- Did you do the swap yourself? What did it end up costing you? Was the replacement new or used?