Ax15 vs nv4500

[eb-nutt1]

Has anyone who went with the ax15 wished they had went with the nv4500? Currently have a 69 with a rebuilt 3 speed, stout 302(300hp+), 4.10 geared axles, with 33x10.50-15 tires. Wanting to make it more of a DD, and looking at swapping in a ax15, but wondering if 1st/reverse is low enough to swap for?
I know, 99% who swap to a ax15 do it for the od, but my issue with the 3 spd is 1st/reverse not being low enough. Will be used about 80% on road/20% light wheeling.

 

[Shimmy]

RAN RAT is something like 2.99 1st gear?
AX15 is 3.89?

that's a decent difference IMO. i think for a daily driver the AX15, 4.10s and your 33s would be a nice combination

 

[Broncobowsher]

NV4500 will be like driving your 3-speed. You gain the overdrive. Then there is a granny gear like an NP435 that is not used in daily driving. It's a crawler gear, probably a bit much for light wheeling.

AX15 or M5R2 sound like a much better choice for what you are describing,

Really have not heard any demand for a NV4500 in a long time. Most skip it and just look at the ZF. You can get one that bolts up to the engine without any adapters and uses off the shelf clutch parts. Much like the M5R2 just bolts up as well, again using standard off the shelf clutch parts. The only adapter for either (and it is the same adapter) is to mate to the transfer case.

 

[TXDraht]

I'm back on the road after installing an AX15. I love it. Running 32's with 3.50 gears. I can keep up with hwy traffic here in TX and it pulls the hill country county roads with ease. 1st isn't a granny gear but I do find it on the low side. You don't spend much time there if you get on it trying to run through the gears. It also shifts like a truck which suits me fine.