The engine and trans is out of an ‘06 Ram, but I had to use the ‘05 PCM to be consistent with the rest of the system.
Why did you run the 05 ECM vs the 06? I haven't run across many differences there...
Haha - well me too!
Truthfully, I can totally see me Hemi-swapping the RC in the future and using the stroker for something else. I've always wanted to do a LRE (Lil' Red Express) build - either a true restoration or replica.
In 2006, Dodge went to the CAN-BUS system, which is not compatible with the 2004 Jeep cluster. The 2005 Dodge ECU works with the ‘01 to ‘06 Jeep cluster. Although Chris at Hot Wire did my wiring conversion, I know that he had to reconfigure the ‘06 Dodge harness to ‘05 specs. Again, so it would work with the ‘04 cluster and play nice with the rest of the harness. I could have gone with a custom cluster, but this route was easier and kept the stock look on the dash.
Oh that's right, I forget that the 02- (early) 05 Rams were still PCI (I should update and add a note in the ECM info above!).
The R154 is close to the AX15 and shares lots of parts, but note that while the R154 was indeed used behind the Supra, those that built up their 2ZJ's often found the manual trans to be the weak spot in the drivetrain and most running seriously boosted engines all went with an automatic (or in some instances modified a Tremec to fit).
I've seen this video before and recall seeing the notch. It looks like the belly of the trans hangs down below the skid some. I noticed they're also running t-case drop spacers. This is similar to what has to be done with an NV4500 install as well. I don't know if there is enough room to push the trans up much, so to use a tummy tuck skid someone is certainly looking at some sheet metal/tub work.
Oh I didn’t think you were knocking it at all - I took it (and I hope others do as well) as additive to part of the total “information package”
I think a huge advantage to a forum such as this is the collective information pool that the members bring, as well as the ability to easily find/reference and discuss options over the other.
Plus I’ve got no skin in the game for this swap - I can’t wait to get back to wheeling an auto
100% appreciated. Ill look more into the Tremec because that granny gear is appealing but one of the main reasons I want to find a way to hold onto the AX-15 is the fitment with a tummy tuck. And no I wouldn't dare consider a stock AX-15 either. However I should qualify when I say I'm shooting for a transmission that can handle 400+ lb-ft. I mean like just around 400-420 lb-ft of torque. Other than a port and polish and custom tuning (~400 HP), I wont be doing any major horsepower mods to the Hemi, I'd rather just build a go-fast car for serious HP. I had heard of the RSG Heavy Duty AX-15 but is it in production? I can only see their Terminator NVG3550.The R154 is close to the AX15 and shares lots of parts, but note that while the R154 was indeed used behind the Supra, those that built up their 2ZJ's often found the manual trans to be the weak spot in the drivetrain and most running seriously boosted engines all went with an automatic (or in some instances modified a Tremec to fit).
Personally, I don't think I'd ever consider an AX15 a viable candidate in stock form. RSG does makes an upgraded "Terminator" AX15 that uses some upgraded gears and internals of the later Supra R154 transmissions. Supposedly, it is typically quite reliable behind LS-powered Jeeps. The NV4500 is another option, though in my opinion the NV is a big ol' thing and since it has been out of production since the mid-2000's, it is getting harder to find. It's often too long for non-stretched Jeeps too!
The one option that I'd be most inclined to try out is the new(ish) Tremec TR-4050. https://tremec-blog.com/tremec-tr-4050-off-road-manual-transmission-solution/
It has an excellent set of gear ratios: 6.16, 3.11, 1.71, 1.00, 0.76 which would work well on the street and trail. That 6.16 first gear with a 2.72 t-case Lo range, and 5.13 axle ratio would yield a ~86:1 crawl ratio - that is higher than an 5-speed TJ Rubi. If you were to couple the SST with a Rubicon t-case, you would end up with a 126:1 crawl ratio - enough to make even the double/triple t-cased Toyota guys jealous!
Rick from RSG many years ago allegedly “confirmed” 385 ft-lbs (which is close to what the R154t was rated to)...
I have looked at that, the info on the page is kinda sparse but from what I surmised its an upgraded NVG3550, unless that is actually an upgraded AX-15 and they just dont actually say it.
Yeah their website is horrible... says copyright 1992, which I think was the last time someone updated it or designed a graphic for it. The Terminator is an AX-15 replacement for the NV3550 (also an older, worn AX-15 of course).