Troubleshooting NV3550 to Novak AX15 swap

[MBDIAGMAN]

Thank you all for your help. It was the transfer case,... very much a rookie mistake. I was not paying attention to the linkage connection... the slotted connector was not even all the way on the transfer case 'key'.

I have a bigger and more depressing problem though. When I first had transmission issues I relied on the opinion of a reputable (or highly rated) local transmission shop. They are the ones that told me my transmission was fried. Their estimate is what lead me down the $3k decision to do the job myself. Now I have the new transmission in... and I am having the same experience as before. I do not think my transmission was ever the issue.. I think it was all in my transfer case. I should have come on here with questions on how to diagnose myself. F..... I need a drink and I don't anymore...

It’s okay. You’re past that now. Shake it off and keep moving forward. You will get there if you just keep going forward.

 

[msmall007]

I hate it for you, but this is why I despise shops. Always get a second opinion if relying on shops for diagnosis. Or phone a friend who knows a bit about cars and give them some cash or something to do their own diagnosis.

If you can open up the rear axle and see what is actually wrong, maybe it is repairable to some degree. Or maybe you can find a cheap axle on car-part or Facebook.

Thank you... yeah, I am seeing that a Dana 35 rear end is not exactly a cheap proposition. My stock build is DANA 30/186MM FRONT AXLE, 3.07 REAR AXLE RATIO, DANA M35/194MM REAR AXLE and I am running 33 tires. I'm not a rock climber.. Any advice on good sources for good, used rear ends?

 

[msmall007]

It’s okay. You’re past that now. Shake it off and keep moving forward. You will get there if you just keep going forward.

Sincere thanks

 

[Rickyd]

Get used 3.73 or 4.10 axles if you want to be cheap. Best option is regear to 4.56-4.88.

 

[MBDIAGMAN]

3.07’s are REALLY tall gears for 33’s. I have 4.88’s with 35’s and they are perfect. Even on the highway at 70 MPH. That said, I have a six speed, but IMHO, 3.07’s are way too tall for 33’s with any transmission in a Jeep or most anything else.

 

[hardtailpan]

You should be able to find a cheap 3.07 Dana 35 rear end on Marketplace. Around here you can get one for a few hundred bucks. This is certainly going to be your cheapest route, and since it looks like you are in florida, rust is unlikely to be an issue for you, assuming the axle doesn't come from a beach buggy.

As others have said, 3.07s are horrible gears with pretty much all tire combinations, but horrendous for 33s. That said, just get the matching axle and get back on the road, then worry about the gears. Since you are in Florida where it's mostly flat, the gears may not be as big of a deal in the near term.

Just get that sucker back on the road! Good luck!

 

[JMT]

Yeah, try to pick up an axle or axles on FB. 3.73 or 4.10 would be nice off doing both axles. Otherwise find a 3.07.

 

[MikekiM]

I can't imagine 3.07s with 33's. Good thing FL is flat.
I have 33's and couldn't live with 3.73s.. changed to 4.56s and it's dead perfect.

Too bad about the transmission, though.. Having changed parts myself that weren't the cause of the original problem, I can say there is comfort in knowing you can, for the most part, check the item off the long term maintenance list. Though, a couple thousand dollar mistake is a little painful, that pain will fade.

 

[Rickyd]

I can't imagine 3.07s with 33's. Good thing FL is flat.
I have 33's and couldn't live with 3.73s.. changed to 4.56s and it's dead perfect.

Too bad about the transmission, though.. Having changed parts myself that weren't the cause of the original problem, I can say there is comfort in knowing you can, for the most part, check the item off the long term maintenance list. Though, a couple thousand dollar mistake is a little painful, that pain will fade.

It is like taking off in 2nd gear all the time and 4th is your overdrive. 5th is just a novelty for downhill sections of the freeway.

I wouldn't use 3.07 gears unless it was combined with the 32rh and 31's or smaller

 

[hardtailpan]

I can't imagine 3.07s with 33's. Good thing FL is flat.
I have 33's and couldn't live with 3.73s.. changed to 4.56s and it's dead perfect.

Too bad about the transmission, though.. Having changed parts myself that weren't the cause of the original problem, I can say there is comfort in knowing you can, for the most part, check the item off the long term maintenance list. Though, a couple thousand dollar mistake is a little painful, that pain will fade.

It is like taking off in 2nd gear all the time and 4th is your overdrive. 5th is just a novelty for downhill sections of the freeway.

I wouldn't use 3.07 gears unless it was combined with the 32rh and 31's or smaller

Yeah, my Apex that i bought has 3.07s and came with 32s. I haven't driven it except onto and off of a trailer as the motor was essentially blown and the transmission (32rh) liked to dump its fluid as fast as you can pour it in. I've swapped out the tires and wheels for ravines/31s for the time being, but eventually I plan on going 4.10s and 33s. I'm in the middle of swapping the motor/trans but I am curious to see how bad it is with the 31s and the 32rh.

 

[DougyintheBushies]

For your shifter stick hitting the dash, just put a rag over it and put it in a hitch and step on it. It will bend easier than you think.