I'm looking at purchasing a 2001 XJ with a 5spd manual transmission and have heard some were spec'd with a "bad transmission" that would require replacing (~$2,500) vs rebuilding (~$1,000). I woldn't be too concerned except the Cherokee in question is already showing some tranny wear - occaisionally pops out of first gear (worn synchro).

Can anybody tell me what I should be looking for before this "good deal" gets real expensive?

 

Wha?

The 2000-2001XJ came with the NV3550 - and I'd like to find one (preferably before I finally get around to sticking the AX-15 in again. The NV3550 is a better box...)

Most of the "wear" issues I've heard of with the NV3550 are either due to outright abuse or due to using the wrong lubricant - most people don't know that the AX-15 and NV3550 want GL-3 instead of GL-5 - GL-5 often has sulphur-based EP lubricants that are antagonistic to yellow metals (like bronze synchroniser rings.) The confusion arises because GL-5 is spec'd for the axles, and the FSM also sez GL-5 for the transmission (the only error I've caught so far.)

 

Bought it anyway and am totally loving it. My fourth Jeep (and second Cherokee w/ a 5spd).

Now it's time for upgrades!

 

5-90 ... the NV3550 actually takes a different gear fluid that has a weight consistent to 5w-30 oil. The AX-15 uses the GL-3 fluid.


That said ... the issue is correctly stated that the wrong fluid is often used in these trannies.



As an interesting note .. the NV trans is more "truck like" than the AX-15 and people have complained about the notchy, un-smooth shifting characteristics.


At this point .. the AX-15 has better aftermarket parts availability ... so if a replacement is needed, I would probably recommend swapping instead.


*edit* I suppose you could continue to use the GL-3 fluid (most likely synthetic anyways) ... but I wonder if the thicker fluid would affect how fast everything moves internally when you shift.


Joe

 

Joe -
Thanks for that, I haven't gotten a line of communication open with New Venture Gear yet (workin' on it...)

Engine oil is a common enough replacement for GL-3 - I know I've mentioned it as a power trick elsewhere, but I'm not sure if I've covered it as well here. I used to build for hotrodders, and it was common to use 5W-30 or even 10-vis engine oil in those old Muncies and NP/Chrysler gearboxen to reduce pumping drag from the heavier gear oil - you just had to change it a bit more often. But, these were considered "racing" vehicles, and they've always got accelerated maintenance schedules.

I know that the NV4500 and NV5600 took some wacky synth-lube, but I didn't think that extended to the NV3550 as well. Shows what I know (and why I need to get someone at NVG to start talking to me...)