The R154 is a tough gearbox but other than replacements for ones that go bad in Supra's, we don't have much use for them up here. That's really a shame because there are so many ways it could be utilized. The R154's cousin is the AX-15. The AX-15 is used in all Jeep Wrangler's with the 4.0L six cylinder engine from 88 to 98. It is also used in Dodge Dakota pickups from 90 to 98 behind the 3.9L V6. The AX-15 has a 1/4" longer input shaft than the R154 and a different tail housing. Spline count is also different between the two gearboxes. What they DO have in common is the same transmission to bellhousing bolt pattern. So any bellhousing that an AX-15 bolts up to, so will an R154. This has some interesting permutations.
Photo from left to right:
Bell #1: Stock 7m-GTE to R154.
Bell #2: Factory AX-15 to Jeep 4.0L six. This bellhousing shares it's engine side bolt pattern with all American Motors 290/304/343/360/401 V8's and can be used to bolt up an R154 to any of them. This particular bell uses an hydrualic throw out bearing. The 94-98 versions used a slave cylinder.
Bell #3: Factory AX-15 to Dodge 3.9L V6 in Dodge Dakota pickups. This bellhousing shares it's engine side bolt pattern with ALL Chrysler 273/318/340/360 V8 small blocks. The 3.9L V6 is a 318 V8 with two cylinders lopped off. The R154 can be bolted up to any of them with this bell.
Item #4: This is an adapter plate available from Novak Enterprises in Utah. This bolts an AX-15 to any GM 4-speed bellhousing. It can also be used to bolt up an R154 to any Chevrolet/Buick/Olds/Pontiac bell or any bell that works with a Muncie 4-speed. Cost is $295US.
Sat, 15 March 2003 21:56
