Jeep Strokers

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???

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.

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.

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