Installing a Jeep AX15 5 Speed into '65 C10, with pics!

[chevy_mike]

After a bunch of research, I decided I was going to swap in a Jeep AX15 5 speed trans into my '65 and document the install. Based on info I have read, this is a stronger trans than a T5 and the shifter location should work on most any truck without having to swap rear cases like a Camaro T5 or use the weaker S10 T5. A variant of this trans was used in the Toyota Supra Turbo. Aisin-Warner makes these and you can still buy them new for about $1500. I picked up mine used from a guy who had a 2WD Cherokee and was converting it to 4WD.

Novak Adapters makes the adapter plate that will adapt the AX15 to a standard GM bell housing. Here's the link to the adapter, AX15 to GM adapter . Here is some info about the AX15, AX15 Info . Looking at this info, you'll find the gear ratios very well suited for a truck. I think this will work out very well for my application. Well, onto the pics.

Removed the old trans, clutch and flywheel. Old trans was a SM420 4 speed, which is a heavy trans with a granny first.







AX15 with the Jeep bell housing removed. BTW, you can get either a mechanical or electrical speedo drive. Mine had a electic one and I swapped it for a mechanical one.



Novak Adapter. Nice piece! Made in the USA!



Front cover that has to be modified



Quick trip thru the band saw



Reattached



Adapter plate installed with new throw out bearing adapter in place. This allows a standard GM throw out bearing. Also uses a standard GM 10 spline, 1 1/8" clutch. That's the nice thing about this, it uses the complete standard GM clutch assembly and bell housing, so nothing has to be changed with linkages and such.



Well, that's it for now. I will be working on this for the next couple weeks so I will update as I make progress.

Hope this will show another option for a 5 speed, that can be done fairly cheap, easily and hopefully stronger than a T5.