V8 Manual Transmission Options
- Thread starter Shank
- Start date
IOwnCalculus
TJ Enthusiast
Depending on how old that 5.3 is, it might not be an option. 6L80s need newer-generation PCMs that require a 58x crank trigger wheel, but early LS engines have a 24x trigger wheel.
Only very early 4.8s and 6.0s did this, presumably because GM decided it was easier to make the crank flange longer and put the flywheel in the same place as it was on the original SBC. GM must have thought this was a better interim solution than redesigning the transmission, which they ended up doing anyway.
The only V8/AR5 combos I'm aware of are focused on using them in 2WD applications, typically with Fabbot's adapter plate that lets you use a LSx 4L60E bellhousing to bolt it up. And even then Fabbot has started pivoting away from the AR5 because to the crowd they cater to, a transmission that scatters third gear when abused with 500hp+ in front of it isn't strong enough.
If I ever engine-swap my TJ, I'll either stick with the NV3550 it already has, or call it an excuse to get a shiny new AX15 installed, or call it an excuse to swap it to an automatic and use whatever transmission comes with the engine. The AX15/3550 are both fine with 33s and a stock-ish small LS.
Id probably strongly consider using the current if it weren’t the NSG. I have to either get a whole gm truck or adapt.
IOwnCalculus
TJ Enthusiast
Yeah; in your shoes I'd go for a new AX15 and be done with it. Known-good to start with and much more serviceable long term.
The NV3550 is fine but it's also not something I would seek out if I didn't already have one. It works until it doesn't and when it doesn't, a new AX15 is cheaper than a rebuilt 3550.
The NV3550 is fine but it's also not something I would seek out if I didn't already have one. It works until it doesn't and when it doesn't, a new AX15 is cheaper than a rebuilt 3550.
Stumbled across this thread picking up the research for my own LS/manual swap. I will not be doing any serious offroading (mostly sand and silty mud here) and will have a max 33" tire but will have a bit more power with a mild heads/cam LS1 (5.7L). I have had a NV3500 in my '95 C1500. It was not the best shifting transmission but didn't give me any issues regardless of how hard I was on it. Still, it shifted as well or better than the current AX5 in the jeep which acceptable so it is currently the front runner in my choices, mainly due to cost. I have a line on a 2wd from a C1500 so the hybrid NV35xx may be the route I go. I have also considered the full drive train from a K1500 with the NP241 case since it is also a driver side drop. However, I have not been able to find a good measurement of the total length to see if it will fit.
Base on how I plan to use this jeep and the way I drive, the TR4050 is really the route I would like to go. I could get over the high initial cost of the unit but the seemingly proprietary clutch from SST are swaying me against it.
I am also intrigued by the 4x4 T56/TR6060 but in talking to a few conversion shops at shows, it seems to be too long of an assembly for a TJ. If anyone here knows other wise, I would love to hear it.
Base on how I plan to use this jeep and the way I drive, the TR4050 is really the route I would like to go. I could get over the high initial cost of the unit but the seemingly proprietary clutch from SST are swaying me against it.
I am also intrigued by the 4x4 T56/TR6060 but in talking to a few conversion shops at shows, it seems to be too long of an assembly for a TJ. If anyone here knows other wise, I would love to hear it.
CreepinDeth
TJ Addict
TR6060 puts the shifter a bit further back Vs a T56
For a visual reference go here
https://www.bowlertransmissions.com/which-6-speed-is-the-best-for-my-project/
I just put a T-56 6 speed into a 1970 Olds 442 and had to cut out my trans tunnel, and fabricate a whole new tunnel to get the proper drive angle
I havent done the research for TJ LSx swaps yet, but Ive done 2 LSx swaps into my two classic GM vehicles.
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I put a Lenco in a buddies camaro. A badass trans.
Come on , that's way too new ! you need a pre 68 SM 420 .
( But it would be cool with a 7.06 - 1 granny gear .)
Come on , that's way too new ! you need a pre 68 SM 420 .
Was just a discussion with me dad about the 4 speed in my 54 truck. The granny gear 1st is growing on me.
Come on , that's way too new ! you need a pre 68 SM 420 .
That would be correct! 465 is fine, 420 mo' bettah!
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