Thanks. White is actually not a bad idea. I like something I can wipe clan when I'm under there doing maintenance and inspection.
It's true, a jeep nv3550/dodge 3500 is a slight upgrade, but not by much, and there are several reasons why I chose the ax15 in case you're interested:
1. Upgradable internals from Toyota trucks and supras. (Much better strength rating and deeper gearing options)
2. Bellhousing: Magnum bellhousing from either a Dakota 3.9, 5.2/5.9 with a manual (3550/3500) or even a 4.7 hemi bellhousing will all bolt directly to mine and they all have the same transmission to bh bolt pattern.
3. Fun!!!!!
4. Bellhousing and clutch compatibility with: ax15, 3550, 3500. This means that if my ax15 ever craps out on me and I can only find a different model transmission, I'll be able to use it with only slight modifications. This means that the transmission to bellhousing pattern is the same on all of these transmissions, including the nv1500 and possibly more, but I haven't found them yet.
5. Granted, this is a project borne of necessity, but still, I just need a project!
(*scratches head* -do I like spending money or holding a wrench? What is it about my jeep that feeds my wrenching addiction?)
I've still got a little research to do about a couple things, but I'm sure this will go smoothly. The only thing I'm slightly concerned about is my transfer case: I know the ax15 was "factory married to the nv231" -Novak Adapters- and I know that obviously, the 249, 242, and the 231 are all related and will physically bolt on, but here's my issue: I swapped out my 249 for my 242 and swapped the input shafts. The case itself is out of an 88 or 89 Cherokee (lost my maintenance binder) and that would have meant that my input shaft (current) is a new gear cut, I think with the new 16mm bearing or something like that, but there were three shaft lengths and I don't remember which one mine was. I'm wondering if the input shafts out of a dodge tc are the same and interchangeable, by years, accordingly... I like to know things in advance when I go to PnP, in case I can't find the right parts on my first choice vehicles. Haha my jeep is a junkyard dog, so she doesn't mind trying on other parts from different vehicles: Ford, Audi, Volvo, Chevy, Cherokee, Dodge and finally, but not least, Lincoln!
6. Wheeeeeee!!!!!!