AA Adapters vs Novak

I have been reading other current threads on the AA adapter SM420 to Dana 18. I notice that they seem to be having problems with the location of the stock t-case and using spacers to lower it into position. Is this the case with Novak as well or just a AA problem. I already figured that the crossmember would have to be moved back due to increased length but dropped too?? Also, is the T-Case going to be moved left or right on that stock crossmember?? I didn't want to hijack that other thread with these questions so I figured I would start a new one.

 

As per AA instructions, I modified my crossmember so it could be moved an inch toward the drivers side. I wish I didn't. I don't know if something changed but now it looks like the stock location will help everything line up.

The AA tech support people are very nice and try to be helpful but aren't IMHO. Also, the way they claim you can use the stock crossmember is kind of a sham. They sell a kit so you can supposedly use the stock setup without modification to the crossmember but neiter I nor anyone I've talked to with this setup has found that to be the case. I'm going to use the stock crossmember for now since I have it. When I actually have this Jeep together and driving, I hope to build a crossmember from scratch since the stock one is going to be down pretty low.

If I had to do it all over again, I think I would use an SM465 with a Novak adapter. Their adapter is only about an inch long. I have never seen one in person however.

Hope this helps.
mruta

 

My business partner used Novak's kit with his SM420. It went into a '70 CJ5/ Dauntless and he didn't have the problems I've read about with the AA adapter. The people I've talked to at Novak seem to have had hands-on experience with Jeep conversions.

 

I've installed literally hundreds of both AA and Novak adapters and by far I've had the fewest problems with the Novak stuff. Things like holes lining up properly, shaft lengths, etc have all been issues over the years. Don't get me wrong, AA makes some very nice stuff, but I've had issues with their adapters over the years. Novak has taken care of the few issues that have come up immediately. Plus, Eric from Novak is a member of and supports this board! What more can you ask? Nickmil.

 

Case closed IMO.

 

Thanks for the input guys.