258 crank, NV3550 Trans

[NoisyTJ]

Quick crankshaft question here. Is there any difference in the flywheel end of the crank between the 258 and 4.0? I just put together a 4.6 using a 2002 block with a 258 crank, stock '02 flywheel, clutch and NV3550 transmission. My problem is the clutch wont fully release to let me shift out of neutral. I did have the flywheel surfaced, but I didnt think it was enough to cause a problem with the hydraulic slave set up. Is the 258 crank shorter or causing the flywheel to sit closer to the engine causing this little problem???

[gradon]

FWIW, I get the impression that there are more aw4 strokers than ax15 strokers than nv3550 strokers than nsg370 strokers(a combo that interests me). I have no issues w/ ax15 and long-nose 4-weight crank, pb77hd bushing, and centerforce df-2.

[Cheromaniac]

Here's your answer:

The 5-speed manual transmission is the light-duty Peugeot BA10/5 in the '87-'89.5 4.0 XJ, the medium duty Aisin-Warner AX15 in the '89.5-'99 4.0 XJ, and the medium-duty New Venture Gear NVG3550 in the '00-'01 4.0 XJ.
When carrying out engine swaps (either another 4.0 or a stroker), selection of the correct pilot bearing can be a headache. The details below will make choosing a pilot bearing simple:

'87-'89.5 BA 10/5: OEM pilot bearing 33004041 for '87-'91 4.0 engine, Advance Adapters pilot bushing 716120 for '92-'04 4.0 engine. Upgrade transmission to AX15 or NVG3550 for stroker engine swap.

'89.5-'91 AX15: OEM pilot bearing 33004041 for '87-'91 4.0 engine or stroker, Advance Adapters pilot bushing 716120 for '92-'04 4.0 engine.

'92-'99 AX15 and NVG3550: OEM pilot bearing 53009180AB for '87-'91 engine or stroker, OEM pilot bearing 53009180AB or 53009181 for '92-'04 4.0 engine.

Looks like you need the OEM pilot bearing 53009180AB that fits in the larger diameter outer hole of the crank, and that's the one I'm using in my stroker.

[NoisyTJ]

im using a 4.2 pilot bushing that I had machined to fit the NV3550 trans.