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Transmission Substitutes

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by TexasBlues, Apr 5, 2012.

  1. Apr 5, 2012
    TexasBlues

    TexasBlues JEEP-Hockey-Holic

    Marietta, GA
    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2007
    Messages:
    529
    Hey Guys-

    i just bought a 79 with a 360... but no tranny/TC...

    could you give me some ideas that will work for replacements?

    please include if there is an adapter kit or something weird like that... i dont need to know prices, im just making a list of viable options to start shopping for..

    of course the XMSN needs to bolt to a bell housing that will bolt to the back of the 360..

    thanks!
     
  2. Apr 5, 2012
    LarryD

    LarryD Member

    Gallup NM/ 4 Corners
    Joined:
    Jul 7, 2006
    Messages:
    637
    A little more information would be helpful, a T15 D20 would be an OK low cost 3 speed option. A T18 D20 or D300 would be a stronger 4 speed option and a wide ratio T18 would be better off road. T18's are available from many sources and can be fairly inexpensive. I got a T18 wide ratio out of a Ford 2 wd truck and am in process of adapting to a 4wd to mate with a D20 with a mineshaft and adapter from a T18 out of a jeep.

    This might help
    http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t18_t19.htm
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
  3. Apr 5, 2012
    rusty

    rusty Well-Known Member

    norfolk,va
    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2006
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    1,652
    I think a T150 and a dana 20 case came stock on a 79. Also a T176. I know they were used on the 304 motor, Should not be hard to find. As for an adaptor to the bell , not sure. Others will be of more help than me.
     
  4. Apr 5, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    23,596
    Well, you have yer factory tansmissions and transfer cases, and you have yer swapped-in transmissions and transfer cases.

    If you want to keep it cheap, the only factory trans/TCs that will hold up behind a 360 are the T-15 /Dana 20 used from 1972 through 1975 behind the 304 in a CJ-5 and in the Commando 72-73, the T-18 and Dana 20 used in CJs from 1972 through 1979, the T-150 and the Dana 20 used in CJs 1976-79 (but you'd have to drive sensibly). The T-15 and T-18 from Jeep Wagoneers and J-trucks with the 258 6 cylinder 1971-79 will also work, but not from the V8 models. The T-176 and Dana 300 from 1980 to 1986 is marginal for a 360, but could work if you treat it right.

    If you go with some other combination, realize that there are comparatively few transfer cases that both drop on the passenger side, and are narrow enough to go between the CJ frame rails. Most combinations from pickup trucks will be way way too long for a CJ-5, due to their long adapters. You might consider the NP208 or NP241 from a Chevy. Automatic transmissions are pretty much out if you want them to bolt up to the 360, and most are too long for the CJ-5 without a lot of effort. You want to stick with 3 and 4 speed conventional transmissions, and smallish passenger-drop transfer cases.

    Novak's site has a lot of info on swaps - just read everything there - www.novak-adapt.com
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
  5. Apr 5, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    No T-176 until 1980, after the T-150 went away.
     
  6. Apr 5, 2012
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    All the latest inline 6 and V8 engines from AMC 232, 4.0L, 258, 304, 360, 401 have the same bell pattern - you can mate any of their transmissions to any of the engines if you pick the right flywheel. But after 1979 AMC/Jeep offered mostly weak transmissions in the CJ, except for the T-176, and it's not considered robust. You can use the 80-on bell to mate to most Chevy and Ford manual transmissions though - Novak has a lot of discussion about this.
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
  7. Apr 5, 2012
    LarryD

    LarryD Member

    Gallup NM/ 4 Corners
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    Jul 7, 2006
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    I don't know what bell you have, I'm guessing the 360 is not original so couldn't guess what bell you have. I believe the bell is interchangeable between the AMC I6's and V8's so anything is possible. You might post a picture of the bell-trans mounting surface. I'll bet someone can ID what you have to start with but the bells aren't that expensive so I would decide which trans and TC you want and go from there.
     
  8. Apr 6, 2012
    TexasBlues

    TexasBlues JEEP-Hockey-Holic

    Marietta, GA
    Joined:
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    WOW... i didnt realize there were so many choices...

    once i get some space cleared out, i will post a pic of a NP-XXX that i have that is a 4 speed and needs to be rebuilt.. and move on/make a decision from there

    thanks SO much for your help... and i ll check out the novak site

    :beer:
     
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