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AA Adapters vs Novak

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Uncle Jeep, Oct 25, 2005.

  1. Oct 25, 2005
    Uncle Jeep

    Uncle Jeep Snow in the desert??

    No longer in NM!!!
    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2004
    Messages:
    37
    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.
     
  2. Oct 25, 2005
    mruta

    mruta I drank with Billy!

    Downers Grove, IL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    422
    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
     
  3. Oct 25, 2005
    Posimoto

    Posimoto Hopeless JEEP Addict

    Minden, Nevada
    Joined:
    Aug 7, 2003
    Messages:
    4,538
    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.
     
  4. Oct 25, 2005
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    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.
     
  5. Oct 25, 2005
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Been using Novak since the 70's - still have a '76 print catalogue on my shelf (yes - I am that old :shock: ). If Novak has it - I buy it from them first (or via Herm :) )
     
  6. Oct 25, 2005
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    FYI -

    The reason Eric and his dad bought Novak a few years back was frustration in trying to use AA's products on their own Jeeps.
     
  7. Oct 25, 2005
    Chuck

    Chuck Sponsor

    Southshore Ma
    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2004
    Messages:
    1,463
    Case closed IMO.
     
  8. Oct 25, 2005
    Uncle Jeep

    Uncle Jeep Snow in the desert??

    No longer in NM!!!
    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2004
    Messages:
    37
    Thanks for the input guys.
     
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