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Tranny/Clutch trouble on 89 6 cyl

660 Views 8 Replies 1 Participant Last post by **DONOTDELETE**, Oct 25, 1999

Discussion Starter · Oct 22, 1999

searched the bulletein hi and low for a similar post because i'm not sure my problem is all that unique. i've owned the 89 islander 6cyl-258 manual since new, shifting has continously gotten tougher. to the point that i'm taking off in second sometimes because i simply can't get my 'pig' in first. it definitely takes a little force to get in first more often than not. i've heard some smack that there's some shift arm bent that i could replace...? and with 120k on my 'pig' it's starting to cry a little clutch fluid at nite. do i need a new tranny or some sorta repair? any opinions on what i should go with - this is mostly a daily driver, light 4wheeling since transplanting to michigan. is it high time i bucked up for a clutch while i'm at it? what kind? anyone know if i have an ax-15 tranny (so i'm a rookie)? any thots on the hurst billet/plus shifter package for the ax-15 (will it work on an 89 even tho it says its for 90 and newer ax-15's?) - it supposedly improves shifting.

any and all help is appreciated many times over! thanks, scott

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130

· #2 · Oct 23, 1999

I have an '89 Wrangler Sahara with the 4.2L and AX-15 (yes you've got the 15 too.) If you have not yet replaced your clutch I highly recomend doing so after 120k miles. A Centerforce Stage 1 shouldn't cost much more than $110 and is an excellent choice. Your problem sounds to me like your Slave Cylinder is going bad and leaking. If you bleed the hydraulics line and refil it and it shifts well again then that is your problem. Try shifting without pushing in your clutch. Pull it out of gear (this may require hitting the gas a little) and then GENTLY push it towards the next gear. If your going from 2nd to 1st you should almost be at a dead stop before it will go in. The slave cylinder is internal so its a pain to replace and should be done alongside with the clutch while you'lve got the transmission down

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 23, 1999

My understanding is that an 89YJ could have either the AX-15 or the Puegot tranny depending on what time of year the YJ was manufactured, Jeep changed over to the AX-15 part way through 89.
If you have the Puegot it may be a waste of time and money to have it re-built. The AX-15 is a better tranny and since you stated you do mild off roading it may be all you need.
Centreforce clutch whether it be a stage 1 or 2 would be a good selection for your needs. When replacing parts always try to upgrade from factory if you can afford it.

Cutch 88YJ

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130

· #4 · Oct 23, 1999

I thought that only the '87 model year had the Peugot BA-10, I'm quite certain that all of the '89s have the AX-15. Its a good little tranny but I wish it had the lower first gear the BA-10 had. The AX-15 may also be able to take some V-8 power like a 5.0 304 which will bolt right up unless you've got a lead foot.

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 24, 1999

thanks Sycho15 and AV07N for the input. i've bled the hydraulics and the shifting does improve, but given time it deteriorates - so i'll be looking into the whole slave cylinder replacement, along with a centerforce clutch. being my only vehicle i don't wanna test my (novice) abilities doing the work - any thots on what this might cost? any words of wisdom in detecting BS from a mechanic on this problem? thanks!

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 25, 1999

I also have an 89 Islander with a 4.2L I6, it has an AX-5 trans, most of the 89 models either had the Puegot or the AX-5. Only
late 89 models came with the AX-15. Anyway, I've also had mine since new and it has the same problem. I had the trans
rebuilt and a new clutch put in 2 years ago, I have put about 20,000 mi. since the rebuild. At first the shifting was better, but soon
became hard to shift again, now I can't get it in any gear unless I'm moving. I just bled the clutch master cylinder and it didn't help.
I am tired of playing with it, I am going to take it to the local trans. shop and let them figure it out. I'll let you know what thay find out.

J.T.

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 25, 1999

thanks JT - i've been pretty lucky with major mechanicals on my 89, so i too will probably shop it around at the transmission shops to see what they say. i still have no clue on my exact transmission - i'll crawl around a bit more underneath looking for the elusive id tag. my shifting isn't as bad as what yours seems, but with the clutch leak i figure i'll get it all taken care of. what clutch did you go with 2 years ago?

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Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 25, 1999

I just had a stock clutch put in last time. I guess it wasn't a good move, but the trans cost so much to rebuild I didn't
have much money left. If they need to remove the trans. to fix anything this time I'll have a better clutch put in.
I don't know what kind though. It looks like everyone likes the Centerforce, I'll check into that one.

J.T.

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Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 25, 1999

It's gonna cost a lot. It takes a long time to remove and install the tranny. The majority of your costs will be in labor. I had my cluch replaced and 3rd gear and the 3rd gear synchro replaced for $1500. I wish I had time to do it my self but since I didn't, I paid for it. Good luck,

Nick Hagen
1995 Wrangler
33" Mud Tires and a four banger

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