I posted something like this in the cherokee forum but is there a different in size between the nv3500 and the nv4500? Or is just the internals different. I want to see if a nv3500 will clear the floorboard in my grand cherokee because a nv4500 requires a good bit of sheetmetal work.

Didn't some Jeeps have NV3550s? I'd assume a NV3500 would fit right in.
These are GM trannys but here's a couple side by side pics.
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg274/ChaosWorksUS/trannyfront.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Fx4nqL8K_5o/SG1QNAMlOzI/AAAAAAAAAOM/e0sEBFegnYQ/s912/Size1.JPG

NV3500 is light duty and aluminum with the bellhousing made as part of the case. A NV4500 has a much higher load rating, granny 1st gear, cast iron case with bolt on aluminum bell, much larger overall and has PTO ports.

I posted something like this in the cherokee forum but is there a different in size between the nv3500 and the nv4500? Or is just the internals different. I want to see if a nv3500 will clear the floorboard in my grand cherokee because a nv4500 requires a good bit of sheetmetal work.

Early Grand Cherokees (93-94) came with an AX-15 behind the 4.0. The AX-15 and NV-3500 are pretty much the same size, so I see no reason that the NV-3500 would not fit.

This being said IMHO the AX-15 is a better trans than the NV-3500, It is about the same for overall strength, its quiter, and you can still get parts for it. There are upgraded aftermarket AX-15s available as well.

I am currently collecting parts to swap a 400 HP 5.9 Magnum in my 98 wrangler with an AX-15. I will fid out first hand what the AX-15 can take:grinpimp:

you have to have an adapter to have an ax15 bolt up to a 5.2 correct? Thats not a big deal but have you priced one yet?

The AX-15 came behind 3.9s, the same bell pattern as the 5.2/5.9...
This being said IMHO the AX-15 is a better trans than the NV-3500, It is about the same for overall strength
Why did dodge choose to use the NV3500 behind the 5.2 and AX-15 behind the 3.9 (untill 2000 when they started using NV3500s behind the V6s)? The NV3500 is fairly stout from what I've seen, lots of stroker dakota guys using them, I've even found a guy using one behind a 502 in a chevy dually..

The NV3500 also has a lower 1st ratio, 4.02 VS 3.83.

I might see about doing that. Does anybody know anyone who has done the swap

The AX-15 came behind 3.9s, the same bell pattern as the 5.2/5.9...

Why did dodge choose to use the NV3500 behind the 5.2 and AX-15 behind the 3.9 (untill 2000 when they started using NV3500s behind the V6s)? The NV3500 is fairly stout from what I've seen, lots of stroker dakota guys using them, I've even found a guy using one behind a 502 in a chevy dually..

The NV3500 also has a lower 1st ratio, 4.02 VS 3.83.

Dodge Owned New Venture gear, but sold it off, and replacement parts for the NV3500/3550 are very hard to come by and pricey. I know af 2 AX-15s holding up behind built small block chevy motors. FWIW the AX-15 shifts nicer than the NV tranny as well.

you have to have an adapter to have an ax15 bolt up to a 5.2 correct? Thats not a big deal but have you priced one yet?

The 3.9 Dakota bellhousing, I found mine on Car-part.com from a JY in Ohio for 15.00+15.00 shipping, so 30.00 to my door.

http://www.rsgear.com/terminator.asp

This is a box stock AX-15 according to the RSG tech I spoke to.

Rockland Standard Gear's new 5-speed upgrade appropriately called "The Terminator" is a direct bolt-in replacement with more torque capacity for extreme duty, and for Jeeps with engine modifications.

i swapped an nv4500 into my 99 ram where an nv3500 resided from the factory. everything bolted up like it came that way. any external size differences must be very minor...

i swapped an nv4500 into my 99 ram where an nv3500 resided from the factory. everything bolted up like it came that way. any external size differences must be very minor...

The reason yours fit in your ram is that the truck was designed to accept a 4500 since they used it in the 3/4 ton-up. A Cherokee was not designed to accept it, therefore it WILL require some surgery to fit. That's kind of like telling the dude who's swapping a Cummins into his Durango that you put one in your ram and it was a bolt-in deal so you don't see why his would be any different.
Travis..

Big Blue 89 has an AX-15 bolted behind a 3.9, and is looking for an Auto trans,you guys have what each other is looking for

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=827691

i appreciate it. But my transmission is currently blown

Either way I am looking to get rid of my current ax-15 setup...I can sell you everything you need to do the swap. What auto did you have? Maybe we can still work out a deal as I would prefer to have the auto rebuilt anyways. If not no worries and best of luck.

The reason yours fit in your ram is that the truck was designed to accept a 4500 since they used it in the 3/4 ton-up. A Cherokee was not designed to accept it, therefore it WILL require some surgery to fit. That's kind of like telling the dude who's swapping a Cummins into his Durango that you put one in your ram and it was a bolt-in deal so you don't see why his would be any different.
Travis..
you obviously missed the point of my post. the op said that he knows an nv4500 requires modification to the cherokee floorboard. my post indicated that i didn't notice any significant difference in external dimensions between the two transmissions during my swap since it was a bolt up deal. therefore, common sense should tell anyone reading that an nv3500 would also require the same modifications to fit since it's not physically any smaller.:shaking:

you obviously missed the point of my post. the op said that he knows an nv4500 requires modification to the cherokee floorboard. my post indicated that i didn't notice any significant difference in external dimensions between the two transmissions during my swap since it was a bolt up deal. therefore, common sense should tell anyone reading that an nv3500 would also require the same modifications to fit since it's not physically any smaller.:shaking:

You are very wrong, however. The NV 4500 is the same length, but it is a much taller transmission. The AX-15 and NV3500/3550 are very similar in dimensions and will fir a Cherokee/Wrangler/grand cherokee with out floorpan or skidplate modifications. The NV 4500 requires major surgery on any of the 3 Jeeps for installation. Crashnzuk is correct. The NV4500 is much larger and heavier than the NV3500.