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Jeep Wrangler Transmission Spotter’s Guide
AX-15 – 5-Speed Manual Jeep Wrangler: 1988.5 - 1999 with 4.0-liter Inline 6 Factoids: Replaced weak Peugeot BA10 gearbox Related to Toyota Supra Turbo R154 manual Best 5-speed ever installed in a Wrangler Spotting Tips: All-aluminum case & mid-plate, generous ribbing Only mounts to a six-cylinder engine 10 spline input shaft 23 spline output shaft Length: 16 1/2” Spline Stick-out: 7 1/8” Gear Ratios: 1st 3.83, 2nd 2.33, 3rd 1.44, 4th 1.00, 5th 0.79 AX-5 – 5-Speed Manual Jeep Wrangler: 1984 - 2006 XJ, YJ, TJ with 2.5-liter Inline 4 Factoids: Failure prone 5th gear, poor synchronizers, throwout bearing leaks (pre ’94) AX-5 variants include Toyota G52, W58, and R151 Spotting Tips: All-aluminum case, cast iron mid-plate Looks like AX-15 so be wary Only mounts to a four-cylinder engine 14 spline input shaft 21 spline output shaft Length: 15 5/8” Spline Stick-out: 7 1/2” Gear Ratios: 1st 3.92, 2nd 2.33, 3rd 1.44, 4th 1.00, 5th 0.85 NV3550 – 5-Speed Manual Jeep Wrangler: 2000 - 2004 Wrangler with 4.0-liter Inline 6 Factoids: Replaced AX-15 Compatible with 23 spline version of NP231 transfer case Spotting Tips: All-aluminum case 10 spline input shaft 23 spline output shaft Length: 16 3/4” Gear Ratios: 1st 4.01, 2nd 2.32, 3rd 1.40, 4th 1.00, 5th 0.78 NSG370 – 6-Speed Manual Jeep Wrangler: 2005-up Wrangler, 2004-up Wrangler Rubicon Factoids: Replaced NV3550 Compatible with 4.0-liter I6 and 3.8-liter V6 Spotting Tips: All-aluminum case with extensive ribbing 10 spline input shaft 23 spline output shaft Length: 23 1/2” w Inline 6 bellhousing Length: 24 3/4” w/ 3.7-L V6 bellhousing Gear Ratios: 1st 4.46, 2nd 2.61. 3rd 1.72, 4th 1.25, 5th 1.00, 6th 0.84
Troubleshooting The NV5600 Transmission
The New Venture Gear 5600 series six-speed manual transmission is a great gearbox with a lot on its plate, namely the 5.9-liter Cummins inline six-cylinder turbo diesel. With all that torque to deal with there were a few teething problems in its early years. Some NV5600 units, produced from 1998 midway thru 2000, are known to have synchronizer problems and a weak input shaft. In response to many issues owners had regarding these components, especially while towing heavy loads, the NV5600 received an upgraded clutch, input shaft, and improved synchro design for model year 2001. The 5 Most Common NV5600 Manual Transmission Problems 1) Noise when accelerating, noise when decelerating. Issues associated within this symptom are generally associated with input bearing or pocket bearing malfunction, sixth gear failing, or the pilot bearing could also be compromised. 2) Difficult to shift into gear. This problem is common. The NV5600 is more like a large 18-wheeler transmission, double clutching at the right RPM is key to resolving this problem. Additionally, there may be a clutch hydraulics issue that may require replacing these components. 3) Grinding when shifting gears. This issue can be excessive wear of the synchro rings as well as excessive bearing wear. The rings will need to be replaced. 4) Jumping out of gear. This problem may be related to worn synchro rings, synchro sliders, gears and/or shaft movements caused by extreme bearing wear. Again these small parts will need to be replaced or a remanufactured transmission installed. 5) Will not shift from gear to gear. Fluid varnish build-up around the shift rail bushing exacerbates this problem. The fix is regular scheduled gearbox maintenance. NV5600 Transmission Specifications Manufacturer: New Venture Gear Production Years: 1998 – 2005 Applications: 1999 – 2005 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Input Torque Rating: 550 lb-ft or 650 lb-ft (Heavy Duty, NOT used in Dodge Ram trucks) Weight: 360 lbs Oil Capacity: 9.5 pints (10 pints w/ optional filter) Construction: Cast Iron Case, Aluminum Bellhousing Improved Version: Introduced in 2001 with upgraded synchros, clutch, & input shaft NV5600 Transmission Gear Ratios 1st 5.63 2nd 3.38 3rd 2.04 4th 1.39 5th 1.00 6th 0.73 Reverse 5:63 Shop Re-Man NV5600 Transmissions
Unboxing: Hardcore Locking Hubs
Part of our Yukon Gear & Axle product unboxing series. Hardcore Locking Hubs from Yukon Gear & Axle feature an all steel construction and are designed to deliver top 4x4 performance on demand. Learn more about the parts that make up our manual locking hubs and how they operate in this Yukon Unboxing video.
Unboxing: Hardcore Drive Flange
Designed for serious off road use, the Yukon Hardcore Drive Flange Kit features a drive flange made from high strength heat treated 9310 steel. We'll show you all the parts that come in this kit that's available for Dana 60, Dana 44, and GM 8.5" differentials.