Which first: Explorer 5.0 or NV3550?

[Ed74]

Thanks Tito. I am still contemplating where to buy the tranny from. I read the thread regarding Mantrans, which seemed to be quiet positive. However, I am somewhat wary about the 30 day warranty, considering what happened to 73Stallion's trans. It is a difficult decision to make. Sourcing the parts will save me almost $1k, but without an extended warranty.

 

[Tito]

I cant believe they are only offering a 30 day on a new trans. Have you looked into the new new one that is upgraded and doesnt require a core charge? It was in that thread, I'll look it up.

 

[Pa PITT]

Another vote for the Tanny also ....maybe it'll save you enough money for the the 5.0 EFI upgrade ...

 

[Ed74]

I was absolutely set on the tranny until I discovered two details while researching this upgrade:

1. Mantrans (ebay) now requires a core charge, thereby negating the substantial savings.

2. I have a J-shift TC which will not be a direct bolt up for the twin sticks. Even WH's version requires some modification.

If I choose the tranny, then I will purchase it from one of the vendors.

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Dowd]

Another vote for the Transmission.

 

[Viperwolf1]

Ed,
The only mod you need for the J shift is to cut some of the ears off the end of the rails. I did mine with it still installed but I have a small removeable panel in the left side of the floor hump.

 

[Ed74]

I read one of the two TC shifters had to be either shortened or bent to not interfere with the tranny shifter in 1st gear? Is this true? Does your advice only pertain to WH or other vendors as well? I am trying to research this as much as possible to reduce possible problems during an install.

Thanks Viperwolf1!

 

[Viperwolf1]

My shifter is from WH but I have an auto on the column. I can't really speak to the interference issue with the NV3550. I did do some minor bending to one of my sticks just to make them even with each other. Not a big deal at all. The twin stick install would be the same for all vendors though.

 

[76 crew]

Mantrans customer service sucks!!!

if i knew then what i know now, i woulda spent a couple hundred more with somebody else for a better warranty and attitude.

if you buy the trans, and the kit from seperate vendors make sure the shifter will match the shift tower. old style-square new style-round

or you'll end up wasting time, and more money on freight shipping stuff back and forth

 

[A4x4Junky]

Mantrans customer service sucks!!!

if i knew then what i know now, i woulda spent a couple hundred more with somebody else for a better warranty and attitude.

if you buy the trans, and the kit from seperate vendors make sure the shifter will match the shift tower. old style-square new style-round

or you'll end up wasting time, and more money on freight shipping stuff back and forth

Do you happen to have any pics of the different shifters you mention here? I bought my 3550 from one source, then the adapter/install kit from somewhere else...never assuming there would be a difference in shifters. If I am not mistaken my trans was a 2004 and the kit had a square end on the transmission shifter. Not intended to jijack, but possibly good information I havent seen elsewhere.

Also, my vote would be for transmission.

Anthony

 

[73stallion]

hey ed, call mark at wild horses. he told me they have a J shift twin stick kit that'll work for the NV3550.

 

[Ed74]

Thanks Ben. I will call the vendors today and post my findings.

 

[Ed74]

I just finished conversing with both WH and Toms regarding their respective NV3550 conversions with J-shift twin sticks. I am simply stating the facts of what I was told. I will leave it to anyone who is reading this to make their own conclusions.

WH:
1. New NV3550 with 90-day warranty
2. Twin sticks will work without modifications (though they stated no bronco is the same; minor adjustments may be required)

Toms:
1. New NV3550 with 1-year warranty
2. Twin sticks do require modification
3. They custom designed their own crossmemember thereby alleviating a need for a 1" body lift. However, trimming of the support brace under the tunnel is required

Based upon my research, I have decided to purchase from Toms. Both Toms and WH offered tremendous costumer service and are both Quality vendors!

 

[FSRBIKER]

For the total package was there much difference in price, not including shipping?

 

[Ed74]

The difference in price comes from no Sales Tax in Oregon.

 

[DonsBolt]

I just finished conversing with both WH and Toms
Toms:
1. New NV3550 with 1-year warranty
2. Twin sticks do require modification
3. They custom designed their own crossmemember thereby alleviating a need for a 1" body lift. However, trimming of the support brace under the tunnel is required

Based upon my research, I have decided to purchase from Toms.

sounds cool, and the 1 year warranty is a great bonus.

I would still do a 1 inch body lift, so you don't have to trim the support brace, plus if your body mounts are old, would be a good time to do them, when the trans is out.