Sm420 conversion

3756 Views 18 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Cade, Nov 2, 2012

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · Oct 25, 2012

So I have a 95 rio grade with the 2.5i and I'm wanting to start preparing a sm420 granny low transmission to swap out the ax5 has anyone else done this? What kind of results should I expect? Any ballpark estimates for rebuilding the sm420? If you know anything about this swap pass it on to me. I been reading up on it on Novak.

Thanks,

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #2 · Oct 25, 2012

Anyone?

Ibuildembig

· #3 · Oct 25, 2012

I wasn't aware they made a bell housing that will bolt up to your 2.5. Do u need an adapter to run the transfer case? How are you gonna use the hydraulic clutch setup on it? Why would you ditch overdrive for granny? Why not an ax15?

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 25, 2012

They say on Novak a ax15 won't work and I never get in 5th gear anyway but they say the bell housing off a 2.8 blazer will bolt the sm420 to the AMC 150

banks316

· #5 · Oct 25, 2012

Dedavis88 said:
They say on Novak a ax15 won't work and I never get in 5th gear anyway but they say the bell housing off a 2.8 blazer will bolt the sm420 to the AMC 150

You can bolt an AX-15 to a 2.5L. You need to do some research, we bolted on up to his 2.5L using a dodge bell housing. Im not sure on the rest of the parts as I just helped him with the tranny install. BTW your NP231 will not bolt to an AX-15 so you would need a NP231 from an AX-15

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 25, 2012

Yeah that's what it was. But it said the sm420 would bolt right up to my transfer case. And also kinda like the low ratios in the 420

Ibuildembig

· #7 · Oct 25, 2012

A 420 only has a 21 spline output? Hmmm

Just FYI a bell off a Dakota is what u need for ax15 to 2.5

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 25, 2012

Well would it matter what the ax 15 came out off and what about the cross member? Would it need to be modified?

Ibuildembig

· #9 · Oct 25, 2012

I'm not trying to discourage you from the 420....I just feel there's allot of questions not answered.

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 25, 2012

Yea I know I appreciate that I'm leanin toward the ax15 after seein the price of the adapter I'd need

darkproximity

· #11 · Oct 25, 2012

I happen to have 2 of the Dakota ax15 bellhousings

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 25, 2012

Dang where are you located?

darkproximity

· #13 · Oct 26, 2012

Spokane Washington

Dedavis88

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 26, 2012

That's a long way from alabama /:

darkproximity

· #15 · Oct 26, 2012

For just the bellhousing, they aren't too heavy or big to ship but I'd have to look into it when I get home

Cade

· #16 · Nov 2, 2012

dark, I have been looking for a 2.5 dakoto AX15 bellhousing for the external slave cylinder. Do you have one available?

darkproximity

· #17 · Nov 2, 2012

Actually I've got the wrong bellhousing for the 2.5l, the two I have are for a dodge 3.9l v6, realized it wasn't the right one for the swap a few days ago but since the op hasn't replied I didn't say anything. If I do come across one I'll pm you though

Defcon 1

· #18 · Nov 2, 2012

Heres a great tech write up on an Ax-5 to Ax-15 swap, it has a lot of answers:

Jeeps-Offroad.com Bulletin Board - Tech: AX15 Transmission Swap & NP231 Rebuild

Cade

· #19 · Nov 2, 2012

Thank you for checking, my search continues

1 - 19 of 19 Posts

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