What Transmission Is In A 98 Jeep Cherokee: Complete Guide

Many drivers and Jeep fans ask: What transmission is in a 98 Jeep Cherokee? This question is not as simple as it seems.

The 1998 Jeep Cherokee, also known as the XJ, had several transmission options depending on the engine, trim, and even where the vehicle was sold. Knowing the exact transmission in your Cherokee is important for repairs, upgrades, and buying parts.

This article breaks down all 98 transmission-related details you should know about the 1998 Jeep Cherokee. If you want to keep your Jeep running strong, or just understand it better, read on.

98 Transmission Details Of The 1998 Jeep Cherokee

The following sections cover each item related to the transmission of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee. From model codes to gear ratios, every point is included for full clarity.

1. Model Year

1998 is the model year for the Jeep Cherokee discussed here.

2. Vehicle Name

The official name is Jeep Cherokee XJ.

3. Engine Types

Two main engines: 2.5L 4-cylinder and 4.0L inline-six.

4. Transmission Type

Both automatic and manual transmissions were available.

5. Automatic Transmission Model

The automatic used was the AW4 (Aisin-Warner 4-speed).

6. Manual Transmission Model

The manual option was the AX15 (5-speed).

7. Transmission Manufacturer

Aisin-Warner made the AW4; Toyota manufactured the AX15.

8. Gear Count (automatic)

The AW4 has 4 forward gears.

9. Gear Count (manual)

The AX15 offers 5 forward gears.

10. Overdrive

Both transmissions feature overdrive for better fuel economy.

11. Shifter Location

Shifters are floor-mounted in the Cherokee.

12. Transmission Fluid (aw4)

AW4 uses Dexron II/III automatic transmission fluid.

13. Transmission Fluid (ax15)

AX15 uses GL-3 or GL-4 gear oil.

14. Transmission Pan

AW4 has a removable pan for fluid changes.

15. Transmission Drain Plug

AX15 includes a drain and fill plug.

16. Transmission Cooler

AW4 has an external transmission cooler.

17. Bellhousing

Both transmissions use a cast aluminum bellhousing.

18. Transmission Case

Cases are made from cast aluminum for weight savings.

19. Transmission Mount

A rubber mount absorbs vibration.

20. Transfer Case Compatibility

Both connect to NP231 or NP242 transfer cases.

21. 4wd Capability

Every Cherokee transmission supports four-wheel drive.

22. 2wd Option

Some Cherokees were sold as two-wheel drive.

23. Shift Pattern (aw4)

AW4 has PRND21 shift pattern.

24. Shift Pattern (ax15)

AX15 follows standard H-pattern.

25. Gear Ratios (aw4)

AW4 gear ratios: 1st 2.80, 2nd 1.53, 3rd 1.00, 4th 0.71.

26. Gear Ratios (ax15)

AX15 gear ratios: 1st 3.83, 2nd 2.33, 3rd 1.44, 4th 1.00, 5th 0.79.

27. Transmission Length

AW4 is 23.5 inches long; AX15 is 21 inches.

28. Weight

AW4 weighs 140 lbs; AX15 weighs 105 lbs.

29. Input Shaft

Both use a 1-1/8 inch input shaft.

30. Output Shaft

AW4 has a 23-spline output; AX15 has 21-spline.

31. Clutch Type

AX15 uses a hydraulic clutch.

32. Torque Converter

AW4 features a lock-up torque converter.

33. Transmission Identification

Look for metal tags or case numbers.

34. Vin Decoding

VIN can reveal transmission type.

35. Electronic Control

AW4 is electronically controlled.

36. Mechanical Control

AX15 is fully mechanical.

37. Shift Linkage

AW4 uses cable linkage; AX15 uses rod linkage.

38. Kickdown Cable

AW4 includes a kickdown cable for downshifts.

39. Reverse Gear

Both have reverse gear.

40. Neutral Safety Switch

AW4 has a neutral safety switch.

41. Back-up Light Switch

AX15 has a reverse light switch.

42. Transmission Crossmember

Both mount to a steel crossmember.

43. Transmission Rebuild Kits

Available for both AW4 and AX15.

44. Transmission Filters

AW4 uses a replaceable filter.

45. Clutch Replacement

AX15 clutch is serviceable.

46. Transmission Service Interval

AW4 fluid every 30,000 miles; AX15 gear oil every 60,000 miles.

47. Transmission Dipstick

AW4 has a dipstick; AX15 does not.

48. Transmission Cooling Lines

AW4 uses metal cooling lines.

49. Transmission Vent

Both have a vent tube.

50. Transmission Mount Bolts

Both use 13mm bolts.

51. Transmission Computer

AW4 works with TCU (Transmission Control Unit).

52. Transmission Sensors

AW4 uses speed and throttle sensors.

53. Transmission Harness

AW4 has an electrical harness.

54. Transmission Wiring

Wiring diagrams are available from Jeep.

55. Transmission Rebuild Difficulty

AW4 is moderate; AX15 is easier.

56. Transmission Swap

Swapping between AW4 and AX15 is possible.

57. Transmission Bellhousing Bolts

Both use six bolts.

58. Transmission Tailshaft

AW4 has a long tailshaft.

59. Transmission Fluid Capacity

AW4 holds 8 quarts; AX15 holds 3 quarts.

60. Transmission Leak Points

Common leak points: pan gasket, cooler lines.

61. Transmission Overhaul Cost

AW4: $1,500+; AX15: $800+.

62. Transmission Removal

Requires jack and tools.

63. Transmission Installation

Follow torque specs carefully.

64. Transmission Upgrades

AW4 can get shift kits.

65. Transmission Cooling Upgrades

Install larger coolers.

66. Transmission Skid Plate

Optional for off-road protection.

67. Transmission Warranty

Factory warranty was 3 years/36,000 miles.

68. Transmission Recall

No major recalls for 1998 Cherokee transmission.

69. Transmission Serial Number

Stamped on the case.

70. Transmission Interchange

AW4 fits many years; AX15 fits some Toyotas.

71. Transmission Performance

AW4 is smooth; AX15 is durable.

72. Transmission Towing

AW4 better for towing.

73. Transmission Off-road

AX15 preferred for off-road.

74. Transmission Shifting Feel

AW4 shifts soft; AX15 shifts firm.

75. Transmission Parts Availability

Both are easy to find.

76. Transmission Aftermarket Support

Strong for both.

77. Transmission Noise

AW4 is quiet; AX15 can be noisy.

78. Transmission Oil Cooler Location

AW4 cooler is in front of radiator.

79. Transmission Drain Interval

AW4: every 30k miles.

80. Transmission Fill Location

AW4: dipstick tube; AX15: fill plug.

81. Transmission Pan Bolt Count

AW4: 14 bolts.

82. Transmission Shift Cable Adjustment

AW4 cable is adjustable.

83. Transmission Crossmember Removal

Needed for transmission work.

84. Transmission Fluid Color

AW4 fluid should be red.

85. Transmission Rebuild Shops

Many specialize in AW4 and AX15.

86. Transmission Torque Specs

Bellhousing bolts: 35 ft-lbs.

87. Transmission Drain Plug Size

AX15: 19mm.

88. Transmission Pan Gasket

AW4 uses rubber gasket.

89. Transmission Output Seal

Both have replaceable seals.

90. Transmission Shift Knob

AW4: plastic; AX15: rubber.

91. Transmission Input Bearing

AX15 input bearing is replaceable.

92. Transmission Cooling Line Fittings

AW4: quick-connect.

93. Transmission Fluid Flush

Recommended for AW4.

94. Transmission Inspection

Check for fluid leaks.

95. Transmission Rebuild Time

AW4: 8 hours; AX15: 6 hours.

96. Transmission Parts Number

Available from Jeep dealers.

97. Transmission Upgrade Kits

Shift and rebuild kits sold online.

98. Transmission Technical Manual

Jeep publishes manuals for both.

Comparison Tables

Here are two helpful tables comparing key features:

Another comparison of gear ratios:

Frequently Asked Questions