The never ending leaky AX15... What gives?

What's the consensus on those out there with an AX15? Are you leaking or not? It seems every build thread I see with another 5-speed owner, there's is leaking too.

I recently had to get inside mine to replace a 3/4 fork and in the process threw in yet ANOTHER rear tail seal since mine was leaking again. All is back together and not but a few days later I had to take a run down to Florida, about an 8hr drive from my place. Since the recent work was fresh on my mind, I kept peaking under the truck throughout my trip and about half way into my journey that damn seal started leaking again... I know it's the rear seal b/c the fluid originates from the rear weep hole on the transmission between the transfer case. What give?? Before this, I have replaced that seal probably three times throughout my ownership of this Jeep. It's really annoying me at this point - not exactly the easiest to get in and replace.

any ideas?

The AX-15 output shaft seal was leaking when I replaced the throw out bearing and clutch on the '98 back in 2009. There were no shaft for burrs and abrasions, but fast forward 4 years and the seal starts leaking again...
I just keeping wiping and checking the gear oil level.

Just a thought, but have you verified that the tranny vent and line are clear of obstructions? A clogged vent will not allow the expanding pressures due to heat buildup to escape the tranny case...and as a result can push the fluid past the seals since they are the next weak link in the chain so to speak. Might be worth looking into. I know that on my 95 YJ w/ AX15, that was the cause of my leaky rear seal issues. Fixed that, and have never had the seal leak again. Although I do still recommend keeping a close eye on it just for good measure.:idea:

^ hey-o, there's an idea. Will definitely look into it

...actually, as I was pondering over this last night in bed, I realized that my transmission doesn't actually have a vent. I know the factory vent is located on the shifter base, but I'm running a Hurst short throw. I've always assumed that it would venting through the pivot ball area, but I bet not so much. I'm going to pull that shifter physically add a barbed fitting and remote breather tube (alongside the transfer cases) and report back.

I hate to count my chickens before they hatch, but I'm really hopeful considering.

Definitely sounds like a reasonable approach...& very well could be the resolution. I am willing to bet, that set up is at least a contributing factor.:repair::idea: