Hi all. I wanted to post a quick shout-out to Novak Conversions. The NV3550 in my TJ needed to be replaced, and researching the cost of having it rebuilt or buying a remanufactured unit (especially given the lack of OEM replacement parts) led me to a brand-new AX15 from Novak. I'm not super active here and didn't realize they were a forum sponsor, but they've more than earned an unsolicited endorsement.
First time pulling a transmission and I'm not ashamed to say this project was probably at the limit of my abilities, but existing threads here on WTJF (of course) and a conversation with Dustin at Novak had me on my way. Ordered on a Wednesday afternoon; arrived Monday morning safe as houses and with excellent literature about pre-installation testing, fluids, etc. Had a couple questions along the way and they had dead-accurate answers each time. Good stuff.
I now have the AX15 installed and it's running great along with a new clutch, flywheel, TO bearing, pilot bushing, etc. Super happy with the outcome.
For other folks who go down this path, note that on my bone-stock 2001 Wrangler Sport (4.0, NV3550, NP321), the AX15 was very nearly a direct replacement:
- reused the factory bellhousing
- opted for a pilot bushing from Novak instead of the bearing that came with the clutch kit
- needed to grind two small clearance notches in the factory transmission mount
- did not need a wiring adapter for the reverse sensor: everything plugged right in
- I even reused the factory stick by grinding two small notches into opposing corners of the square "stub" that comes out of the shift tower (this is for the spring-loaded style that removes with M6 bolts/nuts/washers)
One other note, and I'm sure this is rookie stuff, but don't fill the AX15 before bolting up the transfer case: whereas the NV3550 is sealed front and back, the back of the AX15 seals to the input shaft of the NP231. Ask me how I figured that out.
Happy wheeling y'all,
--Matt
First time pulling a transmission and I'm not ashamed to say this project was probably at the limit of my abilities, but existing threads here on WTJF (of course) and a conversation with Dustin at Novak had me on my way. Ordered on a Wednesday afternoon; arrived Monday morning safe as houses and with excellent literature about pre-installation testing, fluids, etc. Had a couple questions along the way and they had dead-accurate answers each time. Good stuff.
I now have the AX15 installed and it's running great along with a new clutch, flywheel, TO bearing, pilot bushing, etc. Super happy with the outcome.
For other folks who go down this path, note that on my bone-stock 2001 Wrangler Sport (4.0, NV3550, NP321), the AX15 was very nearly a direct replacement:
- reused the factory bellhousing
- opted for a pilot bushing from Novak instead of the bearing that came with the clutch kit
- needed to grind two small clearance notches in the factory transmission mount
- did not need a wiring adapter for the reverse sensor: everything plugged right in
- I even reused the factory stick by grinding two small notches into opposing corners of the square "stub" that comes out of the shift tower (this is for the spring-loaded style that removes with M6 bolts/nuts/washers)
One other note, and I'm sure this is rookie stuff, but don't fill the AX15 before bolting up the transfer case: whereas the NV3550 is sealed front and back, the back of the AX15 seals to the input shaft of the NP231. Ask me how I figured that out.
Happy wheeling y'all,
--Matt
