My NV3550 is going to fail, need replacement

[gg1]

Is the AX-15 the best option? Can I get anything new? Is there a good option from Novak? I plan on keeping my Tj for years. Seems a direct replacement isn’t available as my OE transmission is out of business. Thoughts? My search showed quite a bit, but best opinion is my question. Thanks for any help. Edit: I think I have an NV3550. 2004 Rubicon.

 

[jeepguy03]

I think AX-15 would be the best replacement. I'm happy with the replacement AX-15 I bought from Novak in 2020.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Ax15 can be had new from Novak and is an easy swap. Its the best unit that came in a TJ from a shift feel and longevity standpoint. I wish it had a lower first gear but I get by.

 

[StimpsonJCatt]

I did the exact same replacement last fall. My NV was failing and went with a new AX-15 from Novak. Was an easy swap and no regerts (not one letter, LOL!!)

 

[Chris]

AX-15 from @NovakConversions

 

[gg1]

Ax15 can be had new from Novak and is an easy swap. Its the best unit that came in a TJ from a shift feel and longevity standpoint. I wish it had a lower first gear but I get by.

Is the Novak AX-15’s 1st gear less steep than my Rubicon first gear? Running 33’s and live in a very steep hilly area. Thanks for your help.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

Is the Novak AX-15’s 1st gear less steep than my Rubicon first gear? Running 33’s and live in a very steep hilly area. Thanks for your help.

It's 3.8, nv is around 4 and the 6 speed is 4.46. probably not enough to notice between ax and nv but I definitely noticed coming from the 6 speed.

Autos are worse numerically but they have torque converters so it's not apples to apples.

 

[tnjeepguy]

https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/transmission/transmission-packages/ax15-package.html

Dustin Anderson
Novak Conversions
https://www.novak-adapt.com/index.htm
Technical Sales Advisor & Marketing Manager
dustin@novak-adapt.com

Email or call him, good guy will help you.

Don't worry about 1st gear, your axle gearing is more important. What is it ? Stock ? (most say you need 4.88 or 5.13)
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...angler-tj-lj-and-other-re-gearing-faqs.17063/

 

[Chippy]

How hard is the Novak AX15 swap for a noob? I have all the tools I need, a garage, jacks and stands.

Is it pretty doable for someone who’s never pulled a transmission before? I’m no stranger to wrenching on cars, but never done a transmission. I’m thinking of doing the swap when my NGS370 bites the dust. Sounds like a few of you have done it.

 

[JMT]

Is the AX-15 the best option? Can I get anything new? Is there a good option from Novak? I plan on keeping my Tj for years. Seems a direct replacement isn’t available as my OE transmission is out of business. Thoughts? My search showed quite a bit, but best opinion is my question. Thanks for any help. Edit: I think I have an NV3550. 2004 Rubicon.

If you want to have your NV3550 rebuilt.

https://spprecision.com/

 

[NovakConversions]

Is the AX-15 the best option? Can I get anything new? Is there a good option from Novak? I plan on keeping my Tj for years. Seems a direct replacement isn’t available as my OE transmission is out of business. Thoughts? My search showed quite a bit, but best opinion is my question. Thanks for any help. Edit: I think I have an NV3550. 2004 Rubicon.

Looks like I missed the party this weekend, thanks everyone for the shoutouts!

The AX15 is as close to a direct replacement as you can get. It is based on the NV3550. We offer the AX15 new from the factory. I would be happy to help build out a kit for you or answer any questions.

 

[B_Shelton]

Thank you guys for posting this. I'm having trouble shifting now with 230k on my nv3550. (First post BTW)

 

[MikekiM]

Is the AX-15 the best option? Can I get anything new? Is there a good option from Novak? I plan on keeping my Tj for years. Seems a direct replacement isn’t available as my OE transmission is out of business. Thoughts? My search showed quite a bit, but best opinion is my question. Thanks for any help. Edit: I think I have an NV3550. 2004 Rubicon.

Is the Novak AX-15’s 1st gear less steep than my Rubicon first gear? Running 33’s and live in a very steep hilly area. Thanks for your help.

Thank you guys for posting this. I'm having trouble shifting now with 230k on my nv3550. (First post BTW)

I replaced the NV3550 with a Novak AX15 in Q4 2024.

I had some hiccups that were related to the ToB not the transmission but it's all sorted out. I worked with Jay for the initial purchase and Dustin a bunch of times post swap. Both were amazing to work with.

Hind sight being what it is, I don't think I would do it any different. I have lots of notes in a few posts here.

Almost a year to the day at this point and the AX15 is rock solid.

I run 33's and have zero complaints with 1st gear.

 

[gg1]

https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/transmission/transmission-packages/ax15-package.html

Dustin Anderson
Novak Conversions
https://www.novak-adapt.com/index.htm
Technical Sales Advisor & Marketing Manager
dustin@novak-adapt.com

Email or call him, good guy will help you.

Don't worry about 1st gear, your axle gearing is more important. What is it ? Stock ? (most say you need 4.88 or 5.13)
https://wranglertjforum.com/threads...angler-tj-lj-and-other-re-gearing-faqs.17063/

Thank you. Gotta wait a while to do this job as I'm down to just my TJ at the moment. My gears are 4.10's, but I don't take it off road unless it is snowing and no rock crawl.

 

[gg1]

Looks like I missed the party this weekend, thanks everyone for the shoutouts!

The AX15 is as close to a direct replacement as you can get. It is based on the NV3550. We offer the AX15 new from the factory. I would be happy to help build out a kit for you or answer any questions.

Thanks. I'll be in touch in the Spring I suspect.