Adapting the

Ford Standard Shift Engine Bellhousings

to the

Jeep AX15 & New Venture 3550 Transmissions


This conversion kit joins the popular AX15 and NV3550 overdrive transmissions to the classic, standard shift Ford bellhousings. This affordable and straightforward method allows the installer to retain the bellhousing they already own, and in many cases, the existing clutch and its release system. Its implementation is simple and effective.

Product & Features

Block_FMAX15

The adapter is precision designed, and expertly CNC machined from 6061 T6 aluminum. Its thick cross-section provides ample thread engagement and high structural integrity. Precision indexing is achieved through locating dowels to the transmission and bearing retainer to the bellhousing.

Contents

Included is the adapter, bearing retainer (which serves as a centering index for the Ford bellhousing and clutch release bearing sleeve) and required hardware.

Applications & Compatibility

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~1981-1991 Ford truck bellhousing

This adapter assembly is compatible with most Ford bellhousings using the standard Ford “butterfly pattern”. Numerous combinations were used over the years by Ford and the aftermarket. If using a mechanical linkage most anything that can be fabricated to fit will work so long as it retains the correct bolt pattern. Our preferred bellhousing is shown here and detailed on this page. The main reason is the ease of installing a hydraulic clutch slave assembly.

Jeeps

This conversion is compatible with CJ7 and longer Jeeps. CJ5 Jeeps do not have a long enough wheelbase for these longer, five-speed transmissions.

These are strong transmissions, and full Size Jeeps such as Wagoneers, J-Trucks, etc. are conversion candidates for them unless used for more aggressive driving or heavy work situations.

Engines

The Ford 289, 302, 5.0L, 351 & 5.8L (small block Ford) Windsor engine family are all compatible with this conversion. The use of a Ford "butterfly" bellhousing is required. There are some versions of Ford engines that fall outside this parameter and you’ll want to verify that you indeed have a matching combination. Of note are the very early Mustang engines and other of similar block pattern which used a different rear pattern and are not compatible without special adapter scattershield bells.

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289, 302, 351, 5.0L and 5.7L Ford Windsor engines all make for great Jeep power.

With some creativity, most of the Ford engines that will fit in a Jeep can be made to work with the FMAX15. There are bellhousings available for the Modular series engines including the 4.6/5.0 Coyote/5.4 that even extends into the diesels. At this point we don’t offer full support for all of these combinations but the adapter is very universal.

Flywheel

The factory flywheels on the above engines are acceptable. Ensure that the flywheel and clutch match your engine combination. Discs can usually be substituted within standard pressure plates to match the required 10 spline 1-1/8” used by the Jeep AX15/3550.

Clutch

The factory pressure plates, whether three-finger or diaphragm, are compatible with this adaptation. Ensure that the pressure plate is compatible with your engine, flywheel, bellhousing and actuation components. The proper clutch disc will be required and can be purchased separately below.

The factory clutch release arms and their linkages can be retained and adapted as necessary. Again, the above recommended Small Block Ford Bellhousing combination has proven to be the easiest to convert using our hydraulic clutch release systems when using the Windsor style Ford small blocks.

Transmission Versions

All versions of the AX15 & NV3550 are compatible. However, 1994 and later AX15's and all NV3550's will require a minor modification to their input bearing retainer. Earlier AX15's that featured the concentric internal throwout slave bearing do not require this modification.

This is also compatible with Novak’s new upgraded, stronger AX15 transmissions which come assembled to the extent possible with parts ordered. They can be seen here and purchased below.

 

Related Products

Pilot Bushing

A pilot bushing is critical and required for all installations. Below are the choices for the applicable engine and transmission combinations:



Transmission Rear Mount

The AX15 and NV3550 feature a threaded base for support and isolation of the transmission and transfer case. Factory style isolator mounts are difficult to work with in any situation other than as a direct factory replacement. Novak has engineered a universal style rear mount that is easy to affix to a variety of Jeep crossmembers and is very strong and highly adjustable. We recommend it in any retrofit situation. More info on this mount can be seen here.

Block_RMAX15

Clutch Kit

The typical Ford clutch disc uses a 10 spline 1-1/16” hub. This adapter requires a 10 spline 1-1/8” hub be used. A matching diameter clutch disc will be required to use the transmission with your Ford engine. Below are the disc options to match your pressure plate diameter.

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stack_CD3348

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Hydraulic Clutch Actuation

Though not required on all applications, now is an excellent opportunity to upgrade from the likely worn mechanical system that is full of play and much more affected by flex in the body/frame relationship, especially when in a twist off-road. You will find that your clutch release point will vary as things twist. With a hydraulic system, that is not the case. Your pedal to master cylinder relationship remains relatively constant as does the slave. If your Jeep has the master cylinder, that part can be reused. ***Note, you must have the correct Ford Bellhousing including the steel bracket shown on the page linked here to use these parts.*** More information can be found here. Parts to do this swap are:

Block_53004466

Block_HCRf-34

Block_HCR8

Transfer Case Adapter

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Adapting the Dana 300 to the AX15 & NV3550 Transmissions

Novak's #153 adapter kit is recommended for joining the AX15 & NV3550 to the popular Dana transfer case as found in 1980-1986 Jeeps. The AX15 can be adapted to the Jeep Dana 20 transfer case using

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Novak's #152 adapter kit. *Warning* Watch closely the overall length of the 152 combination.

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Transmission Tunnel Cover

Because the transmission and transfer case shifters are often in a different location than factory in these Jeeps, this new transmission tunnel cover gives the installer a clean slate. There are no screw holes nor transmission & transfer case shifter holes, allowing the installer to drill and cut them as necessary. An easy way to get a perfect fit is to use the old cover as a template, making cuts as necessary, then overlay on the new aluminum piece for perfect holes.

The finish is natural brushed aluminum, which looks pretty terrific, but it can easily be primed and painted to suit, if desired.

This tunnel cover is compatible only with 1976-1986 CJ Jeeps.

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Transfer Case Shifter Kits

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Many of these transmission retrofits end up in earlier Jeeps and they often require a modified transfer case shifter kit. For the Jeep Dana 300, we recommend the Adjustable Length twin stick kit with these transmissions. The TX300 can be used but is positioned further back and requires modification to the shifters to clear as well as the pan and tub.

Later Jeeps will likely want to look at our cable shifter line here.

Transmission

Block_TR-AX15

Installation Requirements

gm_to_3550_adapter_quarterTools

A drill, 29/64” bit, and various smaller bits are required, in addition to typical mechanic's hand tools.

NV3550 Installation Caveat

Note that NV3550 transmissions have a shift rail boss that protrudes through the adapter, and will require that the bellhousing be milled for clearance. The adapter can be used as a template to mark for this operation.

Placement

Transmission placement is largely determined by factory engine location. It is not necessary in typical conversions to change the engine position. Setting the powertrain to the proper factory or conversion pitch angle - usually tilted down ~5 degrees (3-7 acceptable) is recommended.

mmx-nf1Engines & Engine Mounting

If converting to a V8 in conjunction with this upgrade, aftermarket engine mounts are available to ease its installation.

Novak's MMX Series engine mounts.

Driveshafts

Driveshaft length changes are often required. Most conversions to these transmissions will require that the rear driveshaft be modified to be shorter and front driveshaft longer.

Some installers, concerned about the expense of new or modified driveshafts, attempt to let the existing driveshafts dictate engine, transmission and transfer case location, often to the detriment of the project. Our recommendation is to prioritize the correct position of drivetrain components over saving a few dollars which is usually regretted in the long run with compromised positioning.

Driveshaft modifications and rebalancing can be affordable when performed by driveline, RV or tractor implement specialists. New driveshafts are an option, but not necessarily a requirement in regards to the actual successful conversion if your existing driveshafts are in good condition.

Jeeps that require extensive travel or specialty-built driveshafts have this option available through several fabricators across the nation. These are normally specified after placement of the new transmission and measured at vehicle ride height. As the rear driveline gets shorter, it is often advantageous to us a Double Cardan or “CV style” rear shaft with the correct geometry at the axle to minimize vibrations and possible binding. 

Axles

Use of factory axles is completely acceptable with this conversion. Axle upgrades are not necessary, but they may be chosen for reasons external to this transmission upgrade.

Also See