Baystate Jeepers

I have a 97 TJ with a 4.0 and a 5 speed transmission that has no 3rd and 4th gears.
Can I swap in a 5 speed transmission from a 97 TJ 2.5?
Did they both have the ax15

Nope, they have different trannies.
A 2.5 will have the AX-5 and the 4.0 has the AX-15.
They are not interchangeable... different bell housings and bolt patterns. Plus the tranny output shaft spline counts are different and it won't mate to your existing tcase.

Could be that your 3/4 shift fork is bad or your 3/4 synchro hub's teeth are stripped.
Has this problem with the current TJ I'm driving today.

I've been doing some research, and just read more on the ax5/ax15 differences, so yes I see as you stated that the swap is a no go.
I was suggested at the time that the shift fork was broken, the guy at the transmission shop noted that, since the shifter moved unrestricted only been 3rd and 4th, but not knowing for sure, and an estimate of between $300 and $1000 depending on what was found, and with my daughter getting her driving permit and needing an automatic to learn on.... I parked the Jeep and bought a Camry.
Now I'm about to loose my parking space, so I to either need to fix it, or sell it.
I'm hoping to buy a used gearbox so I know the cost without the uncertainties. Maybe then I could fix and sell my tranny to recoup the cost.

The AX-15 is fairly easy to come by, so you can probably buy a used one for less $ than rebuilding the one you've got. I'd suggest posting on the Wanted section of NEOW's forums, check NEOW's for sale section, and check craigslist...

JW

You can also try http://www.car-part.com
I see they have a bunch listed ranging from $450-900

There are also some listed on ebay in the area.

Rich, I have an NV3550 from a 2000 TJ. I don't know the condition of the clutch, but will when it's pulled and can include the bellhousing and clutch components. The NV3550 is considered to be a stronger tranny than an AX15, with a lower 1st gear as well.

Let me know if you're interested.

Thanks,
Joe

ZAEDOCK wrote:Rich, I have an NV3550 from a 2000 TJ. I don't know the condition of the clutch, but will when it's pulled and can include the bellhousing and clutch components. The NV3550 is considered to be a stronger tranny than an AX15, with a lower 1st gear as well.

Let me know if you're interested.

Thanks,
Joe

I'll pm you for a price

FWIW -

There is an AX15 in central CT on NEOW for $200...

http://forum.neow.net/index.php?showtopic=98785

JW