AX5 vs NV3550

[hear]

My 02 has the NV3550 and I have zero complaints, but I know the AX5 is the preferred transmission. I have a line on one for $200, although I don't really know about the condition. Is this a swap I should undertake, or at least have the AX5 on hand for whenever the time comes?

And then, what makes it better? I seriously love the NV3550, but I have no points of comparision; all my other jeeps are autos.

 

[kmas0n]

I think you mean ax15

 

[ColoJeep]

My 02 has the NV3550 and I have zero complaints, but I know the AX5 is the preferred transmission. I have a line on one for $200, although I don't really know about the condition. Is this a swap I should undertake, or at least have the AX5 on hand for whenever the time comes?

And then, what makes it better? I seriously love the NV3550, but I have no points of comparision; all my other jeeps are autos.

An AX5 is a weaker trans. an AX-15 is better than both in my opinion , I own both the NV3550 and AX 15 . The NV3550 has a tiny bit lower 1 st. gear ratio compared to the AX 15 , but the Bonneville style reverse gear ratio sucks in the mountains compared to the AX 15 . Additionally the AX 15 shifts firmer and lacks the marble in a blender noise of the NV3550.

 

[hear]

I think you mean ax15

Perhaps I do. Thanks!

 

[lBasket]

Make sure it is a typo not an AX5 because that was the version for the 4banger

 

[hear]

Is there an easy way to ID the 5 vs the 15?

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Is there an easy way to ID the 5 vs the 15?

According to our factory specs thread, they have different output spline counts.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/wrangler-tj-factory-specifications.71/#post-178

 

[MikekiM]

An AX5 is a weaker trans. an AX-15 is better than both in my opinion , I own both the NV3550 and AX 15 . The NV3550 has a tiny bit lower 1 st. gear ratio compared to the AX 15 , but the Bonneville style reverse gear ratio sucks in the mountains compared to the AX 15 . Additionally the AX 15 shifts firmer and lacks the marble in a blender noise of the NV3550.

Second this.

I hated the NV3550.. first to second shifts were aweful and when cold required double clutching. Once warm this resolved itself. The noise was really annoying. I ended up failing last year and though I had a bunch of missteps with the replacement, none that had anything to do the the AX15, it has been a joy and a I have no regrets. I did a new Novak AX15 with a B&M Sport Shifter. The shift feel is intoxicating.

All that said, I don't think I would pull the NV3550 that has no known issues and swap it with a used AX15 for no reason. You might be going from the pan to the fire. Keeping the gear box as a backup... that I would do.