Okay guys I found me a really good deal on an ax15 tranny that i could not pass up to replace the old worn out nv2500 that's in the truck. It's 4x4 and I'm needing to know exactly what I will need to perform this swap so I can get back to having all the gears in the truck. Need to do over a weekend. Thanks for any help!

 

Was the ax15 trans out of a 4x4 as well?

Should only need basic hand tools, and a jack you can strap the trans to.

 

Yes the ax15 was out of a 4x4 as well. I just need to know what, if any modifications I need to do to use it in this truck? Bc i know going to an nv3500 there are small modifications didn't know if this is the same way.

 

Never done it, (I did a nv2500 to a 3500 4wd in a 87) with the ax15 but here is what I would check.
1. assuming you are using the ax15 bell housing, I believe you will need a newer flywheel. Double check this, but I think the 92 up used a 168tooth? and the earlier used a 153 tooth? So if you have a smaller flywheel it will set back to far and the starter will not engage. FWIW clutch splines are different.. 23tooth? vs 10tooth.
2. Check the output shaft of the transmission. some are 23 tooth and some are 21 tooth.
3. and of course make sure you have the correct lube for the transmission.

Off of memory, thats all I can think of.

 

I was planning to use the ax15 bellhousing unless I need to use the other one and can. Also it's a 10 spline input and 23 spline output.

 

This ax15 is out of a 1995 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 3.9.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dakota1996

I was planning to use the ax15 bellhousing unless I need to use the other one and can. Also it's a 10 spline input and 23 spline output.

The 87 has a 23 spline input. So you will need the clutch for the 95 (10 spline)
The flywheel for the 87 is 13.21 in. (130 tooth) The 95 V6 is 14.31 in and (143 Tooth) So you will need the newer flywheel


The 87 nv2500 transmission had come as a 21 spline output and 23 spline output. I was told that mine was a 21. I purchased a np231 transfer case,..... Well when I pulled mine apart, it turned out to be a 23 spline .
So you may want to check the spline count of your existing transfer case to verify it will fit your ax15 transmission.


One other thing that I had to do was make a new mounting plate for the trans mount. But mine was a nv3500.....
Here is a link to the mount I am talking about and how I made mine.... see post 7 for the picture. https://dodgeforum.com/forum/1st-gen...th-nv3500.html

 

Is there a for sure way to know what spline the transfer case is without actually removing it? Trying to plan ahead before I disassemble it. And can my old starter be used with the newer flywheel?

 

[QUOTE=dakota1996;3406634]Is there a for sure way to know what spline the transfer case is without actually removing it? Trying to plan ahead before I disassemble it. And can my old starter be used with the newer flywheel?[/QUOTE]


I dont know of any way to find spline size. Maybe the number on the tag of the transfer case could be crossed to find out? But, you could go ahead and pull the front driveshaft, and take the transfer case linkage loose. Those could be left off until you do the swap.
The starter is fine.....