I know that the W56 Toyota transmission can be swapped for the AX5 by changing the bellhousing and input shaft.
Actually, the Jeep AX5 is the same as a Toyota
G54 or
G58 transmission.
If your AX5 is a 1984-1988 model, then it is the G54.
If your AX5 is a 1989-2000 model, then it is the G58.
can the Jeep NP231 transfer case setup be retained?
Yup! The AX5 tail-components are completely interchangeable with the G-series transmission.
Regards,
BigMike