OEM Manual Transmission Options:
Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)
The Jeep XJ platform was offered with a choice of manual transmissions through the years. While earlier models had a clunker of a gearbox, Jeep ironed things out by the early 90’s and sourced a solid 5-speed option.
This new design came from Japanese manufacturer Aisin-Warner. It would soon be regarded as one of the most sought after manual transmissions to be offered by Jeep. This following continues today as the transmission remains quite easy to service, rebuild, and even swap into many Jeep builds as an upgrade or Auto to Manual Swap.
Looking back at the other factory options – we’d recommend studying up and avoiding these transmissions wherever possible. Whether in the market for an XJ or looking to pull off a transmission swap, they really aren’t worth the time and effort to work around. More on that below . . .
XJ Manual Transmission #1
Peugeot BA 10/5 (1987-1989)
The earliest standard transmission used in the Jeep XJ platform was the Peugeot BA 10/5.
This transmission gets a bad rap for its frequent durability and service issues. It’s one thing on a stock Jeep. When building out an off-road vehicle with added tire size and torque, you’ll want to steer clear entirely.
With its short production run, the Peugeot BA 10/5 was soon replaced by the AX15 platform from the 1988 model year onward.
For a full rundown on the Peugeot BA 10/5 and its history in the Jeep Cherokee XJ – check out the Novak Conversions data sheet here. There is little benefit to building one of these gearboxes, avoid at all costs.
XJ Manual Transmission #2
Aisin-Warner AX15 (1989-1999)
With a successful decade-long production, the 5-speed AX15 has been a go-to transmission swap for countless off-road vehicles.
Used across the Cherokee XJ, Wrangler TJ, and select years of Wrangler YJ and Grand Cherokee ZJ models, the AX15 was Jeep’s go-to manual transmission for the entirety of the 90’s. Service parts and rebuild kits are still easy to come by today – making this a top contender for a manual transmission swap.
Considered one of the best five-speed transmissions ever put in a Jeep from the factory – there’s good reason to stick with this model. Especially when it came as a factory option on the 1989-1999 XJ Cherokee – meaning a swap can be OEM spec and bring few compatibility issues when done right.
There are a few variations of the AX15 – so you’ll want to be sure to source the best one for your build. More on that in our AX15 Swap Guide…
XJ Manual Transmission #3
Aisin-Warner AX5/AX4 (1984-2006)
Although a factory 5-speed option in select XJ Cherokees and TJ/YJ wranglers through the years, the AX5 (and 4-speed version, AX4) is often regarded as another dud of a transmission. While it’s a mix of love and hate for this one, the overall consensus is that it’s decent at best.
Owners of AX5’s have noted issues with the increased abuse of off-roading, so we’d again caution against going this route with any plans to build out the vehicle. For those wanting to geek out further on the specs and downsides – Novak also has a detailed writeup on the AX5 platform.
XJ Manual Transmission #4
NVG 3550 (2000-2004)
The New Venture Gear (NVG) 3550 took the place of the AX15 with the release of the 2000 year model Cherokee XJ and Wrangler TJ.
It had a short run in the XJ from 2000-2001 and is not the most frequently seen option. It continued on in the TJ wrangler until 2004, when it was replaced again by the NSG370 6-speed.
Although trail strength is considered close to that of the AX15, the short production run still means sourcing a donor transmission and rebuild/replacement parts can be limited compared to the decade-available AX15. For this reason, we opted for the AX15 in the Jeep XJ Camper Build.
Key Takeaway:
Which Jeep Cherokee Manual Transmission is Best?
Based on it’s stout and simple build, robust internals, and proven track record as an off-road workhorse, the AX15 has proven itself to be one of the best manual transmission options to come equipped on the XJ platform.
While the NVG3550 is also a reliable choice, it’s rarity places it just behind the AX15 when it comes to desirability. Most will want to avoid the Peugeot BA 10/5 and the Aisin AX5 entirely, due to the issues outlined above.
How to Identify Which Transmission Is In A Jeep XJ:
Unsure which transmission came in your own Jeep XJ, or in that marketplace find you can’t get out of your mind? Tune in for more details:
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More on the AX15 – Jeep Cherokee XJ
The AX15 proved a reliable and worthy swap for our 2000 Jeep XJ build. Converting from an automatic to manual transmission gained us a robust and simple-to-work-on gearbox in place of our sloppily shifting AW4 that was long overdue for a rebuild. -> Full tech writeup on the XJ Manual Swap!
Related Content:
AX15 Swap – Jeep XJ Complete Conversion Guide
Jeep AX15 Transmission: Complete Rebuild Photos