Daily Driver transmission

[ztoolman44]

So I had pretty much decided on running an NV3550 with my explorer 5.0 and Dana 20 (has a PTO for the winch) but started having second thoughts since New Venture went out of business and there are a few problems with the design of the trans (slipping out of gear, rattling noises). This truck is going to be a daily driver / weekend camping and fishing vehicle. Looking for mileage, reliability, easy to drive, smooth shifting, etc.

Started looking at other options. I have a ZF in my other truck and it is too slow to shift, noisy and the shifter comes out way under the dash. Same with the NV4500 in the Dodges. These are great for rock crawlers but not what I am looking for.

Came across a direct replacement trans (the "Terminator") for the NV3550, designed to correct all the issues with that trans but bolt right up without any mods in Jeeps that came with the 3550. They state that the trans handles more HP and torque than the stock trans. Gave these guys a call and they said that all of the adapters designed for the NV will fit on their trans. Cost is around $1300. What do you guys think? Has anyone here worked with them before?

http://www.rocklandstandard.com/index.asp

This company seems to be pretty well respected in the racing industy and they were very helpful on the phone and called back within an hour when I left a message.

 

[cgbexec]

I looked at their website yesterday and I wish I had known about it before I ordered the NV3550. $1,300.00 sounds like a deal. Are the gear ratios the same as the NV3550? I would say go for it!

Chris B.

 

[ztoolman44]

First is slightly higher 3.80:1 vs 4.0:1. Other than that I think they are the same ratios.

 

[cgbexec]

I think the original 3 spd trans has a 3.0:1 ratio for first and is virtually undrivable. I bought mine with 30" tires, stock 3 spd on the tree and 3.50:1 stock gears and it was was hard to take off in first gear. It required some engine reving and a light touch with the clutch to get it to move without bucking or stalling.

3.8:1 with the right gears (matched for the tire size) should be great.

I am running 4.56 gears, 35" tires and the NV3550. I should be mating the body and chassis in a couple of weeks. I hope to have a drivable truck by June.

If you go with the rockland transmission (I would have gone this route if I didn't already own a NV3550) make sure to post how it runs when you get it done.

Chris B.

 

[Madgyver]

The original 3 on the tree will do good for a DD. I drove with it in the green77 for years until I swapped in a C4.

You want a manual to play with?

Search "4 speed toploader"....

 

[ztoolman44]

It'll be a while before this project is driveable. The frame is at the blaster and the engine is on a stand. Just getting everything gathered up right now. Really want to get the right stuff the first time.

Had a Munci 4 speed in a 67 camaro project years ago. Fun, no doubt, but not what I am looking for with this project.

 

[cgbexec]

I have driven the NV3550 transmission in Jeep Wranglers before. I like the transmission. The distance between the gears is just about right. 5th gear allows it to be driven on the highway. It is the right length, weight and is a fairly simple bolt in transmission. If the rockland is the same demensions then that is the right transmission for a daily driver.

Mine won't be a daily driver, but I will drive it on nice days when I can run with the top down and the doors off!

Chris B.

 

[ztoolman44]

Thanks for the input. Looks good to me too.

 

[Bluelimo]

I looked at the Terminator and it appears to be an AX-15 transmission. I was unable to find an advertised torque capacity for the Ax15. Still it seems like a great option to the NV. Please keep us posted if you get one.

 

[ztoolman44]

It sure does look like an AX-15. I have a call in to Rockland to get more specific details on this thing. When they call back I will update. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[trailpsycho]

The AX-15 was alwasy the weaker of the two...if it is an Ax-15, I would liek to know what they have done to beef it up. I saw the AX-15 and NV3550 countershafts side by side and it was like looking at a pencil (AX-15) and a permanent marker (NV3550) side by side. I had always heard that the NV3550 was the upgrade for the AX-15, so if anyone finds out any details...post up...it will make good reading for the next generation of swappers.

 

[ztoolman44]

No answer yet from Rockland.

A little surfing turned up a few things. It appears that this is indeed an AX-15. I could only find various forums, blogs and articles refering to this trans. Most refered to George (same guy I talked with at Rockland I believe) from tcaseunlimited in NY. I think Rockland and Tcaseunlimited are related in some way.

Regardless, it appears that the NV3500 and 3550 were the upgrade for the AX-15. However, Aisin-Warner still makes them and apparently makes a HD version for Rockland gear. The rated torque capacities I have found range from 400-450 ftlbs. That seems pretty high to me but I am only regurgitating info I came across. There was little info other than that. Novak does make an adapter to mate the AX-15 to chevy motors (small blocks, v-6 and I-6) so I would conclude that even the original is not too shabby.

I will call Advanced Adapters tomorrow to see about compatibility as well as try Rockland again.

 

[ztoolman44]

Called Rockland again. Still no call back.

Called Advanced Adapters. Talked to a guy who confirmed that the "Terminator" is an AX-15. He thinks they put the Toyota gearset into the Jeep case. Said the Toyota gears are better made but that they are still physically smaller, thinner, weaker than the NV3550 as are the shafts. Said that the AX-15 shifts smoother but thats about it. Also stated that they have an adapter to mate the trans to the engine but not to the Dana 20. So aparently this whole thing is a no go without a t-case change.

Advanced has a bunch of brand new 3550's available and believes that the aftermarket will support them and continue to improve them for some time. Told me that if I look for one in a u-pull-it yard, just be sure it is from a 2000 or newer and I wont have any problems. Very helpful.

Still waiting for Rockland to weigh in on this.

 

[ztoolman44]

Got a call back from George @ Rockland. Apparently I mumbled my phone # when I left the message but I got it right today.

He confirmed some of what I found through Advanced Adapters. The trans is an AX-15 with Toyota internals. But he disputes the fact that the NV3550 will be able to find parts in the future. He also is adament that his trans is superior to the NV in every way. Says they dyno'd his to 375ftlb in 1-4th gear and to 325ftlb in 5th without any issues. Also states that anything that will bolt to the NV will bolt to his AX as it is a direct replacement for that tranny. His claim is that the adapters should all fit identical as they would on a NV.

He agreed that the NV gears are a little wider but counters that the teeth are deeper and thicker on the AX-15. Says there is a ton of miss information out there and would like to put the debate to rest. He is going to tear apart both transmissions and take pictures side by side and e-mail to me explaining his opinions. Said he will likely put it on the Rockland website too.

I am supposed to call him back next week to see where he is at on this. I'll let you know.

 

[cgbexec]

I think he needs to give you a super deal on the transmission for testing it out and introducing it to the Bronco owners. If you do it, make sure that he will gaurantee that it bolts up to the AA adapters and can be used with the AA transmission crosmember and mount.

Chris B.

 

[needabronco]

I agree, if he's so sure about his product, ask him to give you one for a discount, or even free to test it out for the bronco crowd, and make sure it works. Offer to take lots if install pics, and write something up so he can use it on his website for advertising. If he's serious about his product being superior, the he should at least offer to hook you up! Maybe send you one for free to make sure it 'bolts up' before you buy it. Good luck.

 

[byson1]

It makes sense that anything that bolts to one will also bolt to the other if it's direct replacement for the NV3550. The original Jeep AX15 used an integrated bellhousing/transmission housing whereas the 3550 uses a seperate bellhousing. That's what makes the 3550 adaptable to the Ford bellhousing. They both used the same NP231 t/c so the same Dana 20 adapter shoudl wiorrk with both. If his "hybrid" tranny is just like the NV3550 than there's no reson why it won't be as adaptable. Also, from everything I've read and seen the AX15 was a relativley good tranny in stock form. As far as there being a parts availablitly issue whith the NV3550 any time soon I would have to question that. Different form of that tranny were used in a lot of vehicles Also. it's my understanding that you can still get new NV3550's off ebay for about $1000 and they don't have the problems the early models did.

 

[ztoolman44]

I would love to get some kind of deal on a trans but would first like to figure out which one is best for my application. I am taking everything with a grain of salt right now. Both vendors seem to believe that theirs is the only option worth persuing and I typically find that there are pros and cons to everything and I want to find out the truth about each so I can make an educated decision.

I'm not in a hurry so I can afford to be patient.

 

[ztoolman44]

Dropped Rockland an e-mail today and also left a voice mail. We'll see what happens. Thought I'd keep you up to date.

 

[cgbexec]

Keep us informed.