The New Venture Gear 3550 is a five-speed cast-aluminum transmission was available for the Jeep Wrangler TJ and Jeep Cherokee XJ beginning in 2000. It was also found in Dodge downsized pickups. It was used until 2004 when it was retired for the NSG370 six-speed.
The NV3550 was available in 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive variations. It was used as the manual transmission for the 2000 and 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ and found it’s way into the Jeep Wrangler TJ from 2000 to 2004.
This transmission has a 1-1/8″ x 10 spline input shaft and a 23 spline output shaft. All five forward gears are fully synchronized with reverse being the only unsynchronized gear. The manufacturer rates this transmission at being able to handle 300ft-lbs of torque.
The factory recommended transmission fluid is the Mopar Manual Transmission Fluid, but according to some sources it is just as fine to use SAE 30W or SAE 10W-30 motor oil in this transmission – just ensure that it is a high quality oil to ensure it doesn’t foam.
Gear Ratios
| Reverse | 3.57 |
| 1st Gear | 4.01 |
| 2nd Gear | 2.33 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.39 |
| 4th Gear | 1.00 |
| 5th Gear | 0.78 |
Fluid Type and Capacity
| Lubricant | Mopar MT Fluid SAE 30W Oil |
| Capacity | 3.3 qts (3.15L) |
Other Specifications
| Weight | 97lbs |
| Length (2WD) | unknown |
| Length (4WD) | 16.7″ |
| Height | unknown |
| Input Splines | 10 |
| Output Splines | 23 |
| Pilot Tip Diameter | unknown |
Transfer Case Compatibility
The NV3550 was found with NP231 and NP241OR transfer cases.
Engine/Bellhousing Compatibility
GM – Buick V6, Chevy Small Block V6 and V8 conversions are available. Information and parts for conversion can be found made by Novak here.
AMC Jeep – The NV3550 is factory compatible with AMC 4.2L I6 engine. It can also be adapted to 1972-1991 AMC I6 and V8 using kits made by Novak here.
Ford – The NV3550 can be adapted to the Ford Windsor V8 and I6 bellhousings that feature the “butterfly” bolt pattern using this kit by Novak.
Write-ups and Tutorials
To Be Completed
