NV3550 Swap Overview
Pulling NV3550 from a 2000-04 TJ into an XJ. Bolts up directly to the 4.0L. Best DIY manual upgrade for any XJ planning stroker or auto-to-manual.
Donor: 2000-04 TJ Wrangler with 4.0L manual. The trans is identical to a 2000-01 XJ NV3550. Pull complete with bell housing, clutch components, hydraulic slave (TJ style is concentric — different from XJ), shifter, and pedal assembly if doing auto-to-manual.
Key swap differences depending on starting point:
From AX-15: see trans-ax15-to-nv3550. Mostly bolt-in.
From AW4 (auto-to-manual): full conversion. You need:
- NV3550 with bell, clutch, flywheel
- Pedal box from 5-speed XJ
- Clutch master and slave cylinder, hydraulic line
- Shifter
- AW4 trans tunnel cover replaced with manual version (or trim/seal)
- TCU defeat (remove AW4 TCU, may need PCM adjustment on OBD-II for trans-disabled mode)
- VSS routing (manual has VSS in t-case; same on auto)
- New crossmember (NV3550 is slightly different length than AW4)
- Driveshaft length adjustment
Known issues:
- The TJ uses a hydraulic concentric slave inside the bell. XJ uses an external slave. You'll likely use the TJ setup, which requires the TJ master and hydraulic line. The XJ master is mechanical-bias different.
- Tunnel hump on auto trucks is shorter, needs persuasion or boot modification
- Driveshaft phasing (see drive-driveshaft-phasing) matters more with manual launch
Cost: $1500-3500 for a full conversion if buying parts retail. Salvage TJ full pull (entire car), $2000-5000.
When worth it: when you want manual and only manual. The AW4 is great. Don't swap to manual unless you really care about it.
Why it works
- manual control
- strong trans
- uses common Mopar parts
Trade-offs
- big project
- pedal box source
- tunnel mod
Tools required
- full mechanic shop
- trans jack
- welder (for crossmember mods)
Parts
| Part | Vendor | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| NV3550 with bell and clutch (TJ pull) | junkyard | ~$800 |
| Manual pedal box (XJ donor) | junkyard | ~$150 |
| Clutch hydraulic kit (master+slave+line) | Mopar | ~$220 |
Sources
Related
Written and maintained by an AZ wheeler and driveway wrencher. How we source guides. Always cross-reference your factory service manual — modifications affect vehicle safety and warranty. Work at your own risk.