NV3550 Internal upgrades?

[bad 68]

My NV3550 was new when I installed it. I have allways used the Chrysler oil filed 1/2 quart past the side plug. Iv has no problems in about 15,000 miles. Its been behind a 351W putting out about 385 ft lbs. Now I've gone through the 351 again and its going to put out about 420 ft lbs. Who is building better internals for this trans? I'd like to have one built Before I hurt this one. I built a Klune 4-1, Twin stick D20, 3550 combo. Love it and don't want to change it to a 4050

 

[DirtDonk]

Can’t help with upgraded parts. I haven’t researched it myself, so I don’t know anything about those.
I hope they’re out there, though!
But in the meantime, what is your tire size and gear ratio? That has as much, or more affect on the longevity of a transmission than just the sheer torque alone.
Well, and then there’s driving style and relative weight of your right foot!

 

[73azbronco]

the mod for an nv3550, is the nv4500, seriously, no other way around it. the 3550 was made for a jeep making 300ftlb tq. I know of no mods to make it stronger.

 

[bad 68]

the mod for an nv3550, is the nv4500, seriously, no other way around it. the 3550 was made for a jeep making 300ftlb tq. I know of no mods to make it stronger.

Actually the TR4050 is the upgrade to the 3550. I just don't want to change what I have right now. I guess I will if I break the 3550. No reason to put a 4:1 doubler behind a trans with a 6:1 first gear

 

[MarsChariot]

This question has been going on for 20 years. Let's hear first from someone who has actually broken a NV3550 by putting a high-torque motor in front of one. Then we can move on to the solution (which will be expensive).

 

[bad 68]

This question has been going on for 20 years. Let's hear first from someone who has actually broken a NV3550 by putting a high-torque motor in front of one. Then we can move on to the solution (which will be expensive).

I Agree. Thats what I want to hear. Exclude any stories about running the wrong oil or the wrong amount.

 

[DirtDonk]

I have a customer that installed one about seven or eight years ago. By his own admission he's a teenager at heart still, and wants to use his Bronco for stop light drag racing for anyone in town that will oblige him. Has a potent engine and a heavy right foot. And a big grin all the time from all reports.
I warned him of the potential shortcoming, and told him that gearing was going to be important aspect of lessening the strain on the trans. With the wrong differential gearing, the trans and transfer case (and clutch) are stuck in the middle between a powerful engine and larger tires trying to resist forward motion.
At last report, it was still running strong.

It's probably been a couple of years now, since I last spoke with him. But he'd been beating on it for at least three or four years solid with no trouble.
Things may have changed by now. But we may never know!

Paul

 

[Timmy390]

When I was planning my trans swap I looked at these http://tcase.rsgear.com/products/transmissions/terminator™.aspx Don't seem to be available anymore.

Tim

 

[bad 68]

I have a customer that installed one about seven or eight years ago. By his own admission he's a teenager at heart still, and wants to use his Bronco for stop light drag racing for anyone in town that will oblige him. Has a potent engine and a heavy right foot. And a big grin all the time from all reports.
I warned him of the potential shortcoming, and told him that gearing was going to be important aspect of lessening the strain on the trans. With the wrong differential gearing, the trans and transfer case (and clutch) are stuck in the middle between a powerful engine and larger tires trying to resist forward motion.
At last report, it was still running strong.

It's probably been a couple of years now, since I last spoke with him. But he'd been beating on it for at least three or four years solid with no trouble.
Things may have changed by now. But we may never know!

Paul

Thats good to hear. Mabe I'll just keep running it until it has problems. Right now its great

 

[73azbronco]

This question has been going on for 20 years. Let's hear first from someone who has actually broken a NV3550 by putting a high-torque motor in front of one. Then we can move on to the solution (which will be expensive).

i have never heard of a broken one.

 

[Broncobowsher]

I've never heard of one being over powered to failure. Proper axle gearing would be benificial to avoiding abuse. Driving style can play a factor as well.

If you had one apart, maybe send the gears out for cryo treatment? That would be about the only internal upgrade I can think of. Even then I still see that as marginal voodoo magic if it works. Then again I've picked up some sticks and went dousing and found water lines that were buried, so some of that voodoo stuff does work.

 

[Timmy390]

Not to get OT...but remember, peek torque (depending on cam) is not where the trans will live all the time. Just saying......

I was looking to go ZF vs M5ODR2 due to the 351W I'm running. I went R2 for better shifting characteristics. First time I dumped the clutch on my 33's I was a bit worried....the only thing that happen was the tires spun. First time I grabbed second hard and barked the tires I was puckered but nothing bad happen. First time I barked third I was like WOW....Now I bang on it and don't worry. Heck even pulling my 14 foot utility trailer I tend to shift hard.

Guess my point is......run it till you find the limits and then upgrade.

Tim

 

[moses_m]

TTT
Did u find upgraded internals and what is the name of the chrysler oil??

 

[EPB72]

TTT
Did u find upgraded internals and what is the name of the chrysler oil??

 

[roundhouse]

I’ve banged on my 3550 for years with a stock 1990 efi 5.0 from a mustang , with 4.11 axles and 35 inch tires

It finally started popping out of first gear
But alot of 3550s did that in the wranglers with the six cylinder .