Trying to fit SM420/Dana18 in 55' CJ5 ADVICE?

I'm trying to fit a SM420/Dana18 in to my 55' CJ5 and it's seems much too big. I know it will fit but what have others had to do to get the cross member to bolt in? Still have about 2-3 inches to go and the trans is hitting the floor board. What modifications did other had to do? Would rather not cut the body up if possible. Thinking of lifting the body 1.25" What is your thoughts?

 

I think I'd modify the trans hump before I lifted the entire body.

 

You'll have to cut and reshape the floors. No easy alternative that I know of.

The factory 4-speed setups (T-98, T-18) used different transmission covers, and cut a chunk out of the floors IIRC. Look here, Heavy Iron's post: http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?66349-72-75-CJ5-Transmission-floor-plate-needed/page2

You can also incorporate somethine box-shaped in steel like a cake pan, transmission pan, etc. to make space for the transmission.

You may be able to lift the body, but then your through-the-floor pedals won't work.

 

...and that's what I've concluded but had to ask. Thanks!

 

You just need to cut out and refabricate the trans tunnel insert. Nothing on the floorpan itself needs to be cut. I can get you a couple pics of how we did it if youd like

 

sweet66monza that would be awesome! I'm seeing that part of the center floor board and inside the tool box will have to be trimmed up. I have a Buick 225 installed as well... maybe the height of the motor may make a difference where the tran is sitting.

 

As soon as I figure out how to attach pics, Ill get some up!

 

The third to the last icon on top will allow you to "Insert Images" on the "Quick Reply" page. Three down from the smiley face....

 

this is the ONLY cutting we had to do



This is the aluminum cover my dad came up with 15 yrs ago. I get to finish it...




The front motor mounts are stock and the rear crossmember is spaced 1/2" down from the frame. This setup has been successful for almost 20 hard years of wheeling by my dad before I tore it down to restore it and FINISH everything.

If youd like, Ill put up pictures when the shifters are painted, floorpan insert is undercoated, and aluminum insert is finshed and polished

 

I used a oil pan from a TH350.
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I have herd a 5x10" bread baking pan can give you a great place to start fabing a new cover.

 

You cannot attach pics on this site. They must be linked from a hosting site like Photobucket, Flickr, etc.

http://www.earlycj5.net/forums/showthread.php?78830-Posting-photos

Sweet66monza, your pics show up only as red X's. If you tried to attach them here that's probably why.

 

I added a spacer to the cross member and had to re work the transmission tunnel.
Transmission Mount: https://picasaweb.google.com/117314299486619980930/JeepStuff#5350524285283582226
Transmission Tunnel: https://picasaweb.google.com/117314299486619980930/JeepStuff#5350524289758719506

 

Wow, that's a huge bump-up. I knew the SM465 is big, but not that big. Any pics with the cover off? Maybe Scott hid part of the shift tower under that big boot...

 

I did. That's the factory SM 465 shifter boot for a 79' full size Chevy.

 

Yes it is a bit large but works. I picked the SM465 up from a friend and was not able to get other parts. I added a pad to the drivers side for my foot to make the gas pedal easier to use. I tried to get the SM465 up as far as I could. I will look around to see if I have any pics with the cover off.

 

It has an existing Buick 225 V6

 

Thanks for the input. Going to incorporate the foot rest that jzber did... I had to move that pedal down as well but need a foot rest, my ankle doesn't bend that far. Really like the Chevy Auto Trans cover idea Scott used, really great idea! I will post my results once finished.

If any one else had images of their conversion please post.