[shawplat]

Does the 04 rubicon have air lockers or electric lockers? Were there any problems with the lockers for this year, and how should one inspect lockers for function prior to purchase? What is the verdict on the later NSG370 vs. the NVG3550 in the 04 rubicon for strength/durability etc? In addition are there any other important TSB's for this year rubicon?

Thank you all,
Shawn

 

[rmeredit]

1) Air
2) Not that I know of, activate front/rear to make sure they engage
3) The NSG370 is looking like it is a solid transmission. They aren't too old yet though.

 

[gregert12]

Shawn,

Does the 04 rubicon have air lockers or electric lockers?

Air (there are two pumps under the rig at the drivers seat that push out 5PSI.

how should one inspect lockers for function prior to purchase?

besides putting the vehicle on jack-stands and engaging the lockers to see if the wheels spin the same way, go on a test drive and while in 4low (only works in 4low) engage the lockers. You are checking to see how long it takes until they engage (stop blinking, while rolling very slow) and try making a turn (it should be a lot harder than normal)

What is the verdict on the later NSG370 vs. the NVG3550 in the 04 rubicon for strength/durability etc?

5speed vs 6 speed is all personal preference, they both work great

In addition are there any other important TSB's for this year rubicon?

I have an 04 and there are no TSB recalls. The dealer can run the VIN and make sure.

 

[KaiserJeep]

Does the 04 rubicon have air lockers or electric lockers?

Air lockers that activate with very low pressure (5psi). There is a tiny little air pump for each axle, controlled by the dash switch.

Were there any problems with the lockers for this year, and how should one inspect lockers for function prior to purchase?

Find a gravel road or dirt lot - anything except a paved road. Put the Jeep in 4W Low range, and crawl forward slowly. Activate the locker rocker switch down once to engage the rear locker. Wait for the light on the dash to stop blinking. Now activate the switch a second time for the front axle, and again wait for the blinking to stop. Now release both lockers by operating the switch upwards. Wait for the dash lights to go out.

If there is a problem with the above, steer slightly back and forth - it helps the locker teeth to mesh.

What is the verdict on the later NSG370 vs. the NVG3550 in the 04 rubicon for strength/durability etc? In addition are there any other important TSB's for this year rubicon?

Both are good durable transmissions. The 5-speed has a higher first gear and a higher overdrive. It is slightly more important to use lower axle gearing to compensate for larger tires. With either transmission, 33's are the largest tire you can comfortably run with stock 4.11 gearing. But if you gear the axles properly, the higher overdrive on the NV3550 is slightly better for highway mileage. The lower first gear on the NSG370 is slightly better for crawling - but only under the most extreme conditions.

 

[Ahab]

With 33's OEM lockers are a good choice if already in place. Any noise on engage/disengage is suspect. NSG370 vs. NV3550 The NV3550 was designed to handle the V10 gas engine as well as several V8 diesel power plants. I did swap out my input shaft for a higher spline count alloy unit during my clutch replacement but this is considered major over kill for this Trans. I do over kill...a lot. The NSG370 has a poor rep for durability and has a lower torque rating. JP Mag did a piece on it. http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/1311-manual-meltdowns-jeep-transmissions-we-love-to-hate/ As for the TBI in 04 Rubi's have yet to see any issues noted by anyone who has not submerged there engine in salt water. I cringe at the very thought.

 

[Elwarpo]

The one common problem for the 04 is the locker switch can go out. Otherwise the 04 has less issues than any other year. Another common problem is the 4wd sensor on the TC, but it is a cheap replacement.

 

[H8Roads777]

Beware of bad OPDA, Mine went out with no warning. Only 40,000miles on it. Locked my motor up in the interstate. Google jeep "laughing monkey noise" for more info.

 

[SteveVB]

Beware of bad OPDA, Mine went out with no warning. Only 40,000miles on it

on an 04 not a problem usually, an 05, 06 hey are more common. yours was an 04?


This is a thread that started a few years ago BTW. but anyone searching for 04s will get info.

 

[Kenne]

Opda??

 

[vsheetz]

Opda?

 

[SteveVB]

Opda?

Oil Pump Drive Assembly- on newer 4.0s - similar operation to a distributor as it takes the cam movement and uses it to provide the mechanical movement for a cam position sensor . Same place as the distributor on older models. 05, 06 seem to have a higher incidence of failure due to bearing design in the ODPA unit. Do a search you will find reams of info.
Not as big of a concern on the 04s.

 

[H8Roads777]

Oil pump distributer assembly

 

[johncanfield]

Oil pump distributer assembly

No - it's Oil Pump Drive Assembly.