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sm465

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by KINIK, Oct 4, 2006.

  1. Oct 4, 2006
    KINIK

    KINIK New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2005
    Messages:
    12
    I am installing a sm465 into a m38. I will be using a dana 18 transfer case. I'm not sure which adapter to buy. The novak is thinner than the advance adapters plate. Are there any other differences that I need to be aware of? Which is better?
     
    KINIK, Oct 4, 2006
    #1
  2. Oct 4, 2006
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,470
    I am putting the same thing in my CJ3 this winter. Have the Novak 1" as it makes the shortest overall length. You really need to look at drive line length with this as well.

    Personally - I have always had better luck with Novak - since the 70's when I started doing this stuff.
     
    Warloch, Oct 4, 2006
    #2
  3. Oct 5, 2006
    jzeber

    jzeber Well-Known Member 2022 Sponsor

    Morgan Hill, Ca
    Joined:
    Nov 15, 2003
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    3,326
    I used a Novak about 2 years ago. Great people to work with and the kit was great.
     
    jzeber, Oct 5, 2006
    #3
  4. Oct 6, 2006
    chicomecha

    chicomecha New Member

    Chico and...
    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2006
    Messages:
    29
    The decision may be influenced by length of the trans you are swapping out. I am guessing you will definitely be dealing with driveline lengths unless the two are close. In my case, I swapped a Muncie M20 with an adapter out, and put in a SM420, which is similar length. The 1/2" difference in adapter length between AA and Novak drove my decision, as if I went shorter (Novak), I would have had to get into driveline issues. With the slightly longer AA, I avoided that, and also the crossmember relocation was easier. All that said, I would rather have gone with the Novak part. AA's documentation was wrong, and I think they have a tolerance issue near one bolt, as I cannot get in to tighten the nut properly with any socket. It had a tiny leak I could not stop. I finally had to take it back off and Dremel the AA casting so a socket would fit. Not sure why they didn't catch that. I had a different problem recently with AA shipping me a tie rod that had bad LH threads - not cut deep enough. Makes me wonder about their quality control.
     
    chicomecha, Oct 6, 2006
    #4
  5. Oct 6, 2006
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529

    The issues you mention are not uncommon on AA's adapters. They make some great stuff but have had many problems with their adapters being machined wrong or bolt holes not lining up, etc.:( I've had far fewer problems with the Novak stuff and Eric is a member here to boot.:) You don't see AA on here supporting us:( . Just for a little history, I've installed a couple of hundred of both companies adapters over the years so have just a little experience with the quality of both;) . Nickmil
     
    nickmil, Oct 6, 2006
    #5
  6. Oct 6, 2006
    coby61

    coby61 Stupidiotic Member

    Prunedale CA
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    Mar 10, 2004
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    388
    coby61, Oct 6, 2006
    #6
  7. Oct 7, 2006
    scott milliner

    scott milliner Master Fabricator

    Seattle Wa.
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    Dec 17, 2002
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    2,362
    scott milliner, Oct 7, 2006
    #7
  8. Oct 7, 2006
    hotrod351

    hotrod351 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2006
    Messages:
    225
    nice job scott. i jumped the gun with my 55 m38a1 and put a siganaw 4 speed out of a junked camero. now i have a sm465 sitting and waiting to go in. il need to buy another adapter but the granny 1st is worth it for rock crawling.
     
    hotrod351, Oct 7, 2006
    #8
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