H3 Manual Trans crapped out after 193k.....

[Sentinel308]

Looking for suggestions on an upgrade to the factory 5 speed manual. Something like an NV5600. Is there anything available that bolts in without a major hassle?

 

[Mr_Rich]

Here's a link with some good info; https://www.novak-adapt.com/ They regard the AX-15 as one of the best man trans installed in Jeeps. I saw an ad for an upgraded trans that might fit but I don't remember where I saw it.

 

[Sentinel308]

"Here's a link with some good info; https://www.novak-adapt.com/ They regard the AX-15 as one of the best man trans installed in Jeeps. I saw an ad for an upgraded trans that might fit but I don't remember where I saw it."

Appreciated. I sent them an email.

 

[Mr_Rich]

I don't want to mislead you into thinking the AX-15 is an upgraded trans. The AX-15 IS the stock Hummer man trans and is used in a variety of GM vehicles also. I think the ad I'm talking about is for the Tremec TR-4050 and saw the article in 4W&OR.

 

[amrg]

The Hummer H3 trans is the strongest version of the ar5 trans (also used in the solistice and isuzu). The ax15 is the older version of the ar5, or technically, preceeds the ar5 in terms of the base design and is very similar to it (think 4l60 vs 4l75).
Atm no other trans can be directly swapped in its place, keep in mind the ar5 isnt pretty big compared to the NV variants

 

[atvspeed4]

I don't want to mislead you into thinking the AX-15 is an upgraded trans. The AX-15 IS the stock Hummer man trans and is used in a variety of GM vehicles also. I think the ad I'm talking about is for the Tremec TR-4050 and saw the article in 4W&OR.

I spoke to them and unfortunately they cannot make it work despite the over $5k price tag. Only available in 23 spline and for Jeep 6 bolt tcase pattern.

 

[08H3]

You got 193k out of the factory. That doesn't seem bad to me, especially considering the mileage some of the AT are getting. What's wrong with another factory transmission?

 

[f5moab]

 

[alrock]

193K out of any major part is a good achievement.

 

[4speedfunk]

What exactly is “crapped out”? I’ve personally exploded several manual gearboxes, effectively turning them inside out. But I’ve also rebuilt several worn ones with good results. They are far easier to freshen up than an automatic...basically synchros, bearings, and shift collars. Given the scarcity of stick shift H3’s, seems like a rebuild is a no-brainer.

Another thing to check is the clutch. A worn clutch will often drag, chatter, and make it difficult to shift gears. Many people misdiagnose this as a gearbox problem. A worn pilot bearing (in the end of the crankshaft) can also mimic gearbox problems.

At 200k miles...you should pull all that out, replace the flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, pilot bearing , and throw-out bearing. Open the gearbox case and have a look inside...replace the worn parts. This is all typical service procedure for this mileage. It’s not hard or expensive and you’ll be good for another 10 years.