Best Transmission

Hey guys just a thought. I have been planning from the beginning to stay with my D18, T90 and mate them to a Ford 2.3 engine. I am still thinking of going that way but I would really like a more modern, quite and easy shifting transmission.

I don't really have a problem with what I have now but the T90 makes a lot of noise and heat. I am considering getting something more modern that will bolt to the 2.3 and the D18 but it seems there is not a lot of choices.

What do you guys think? What transmission do yall like for these short Jeeps (mine is a 1963 CJ5)? I really like the Chevy 4.3 engine but I was thinking of not going that way because of space in the engine compartment and the cost. Plus my Jeep is all original and I would like to keep it close to that. Before you say rebuild the F134 that is a lost cause for me. This Jeep is a daily driver and the F134 is not up to it, just not worth the trouble considering the gas mileage, noise and expense so yes that is one major change from stock that I will make. It is what it is. I was planning to try and keep it reversible as possible but there is really not much chance I would ever want to go back. I drive the Jeep every day with the F134 in it now and I know what its limitations are. Ok, engine for under 45 mph driving but I don't do nearly enough of that

 

If you are going to keep the ford motor find a old ford toploader and never look back
http://images.hoodbiz.org/nlarge/rug-ba_toploader_4_speed_transmission_24838196.jpg

if you want a overdrive put ford T5

Put a T5 5 speed in it Like from a jeep or s10 pickup if you go chevy motor
I also think the v6 camaro had a T5

I just put a 1969 camaro Muncie M21 4 speed, in my stub nose jeep they make adapters to mate all kinds of transfer cases.

If you dont need a granny gear,

A good old saginaw truck 3 speed are good trannys, I think they where
M14 HD 3spd.

A saginaw 4 speed would work also

 

I like my T14, just wish I had a Warn OD.

 

I will look into those. I more concerned with a good smooth shifting transmission than I am having low gears in it. But, if it is a decent shifting transmission, is fairly quiet and had the granny gear I certainly would not be complaining.

 

There is really not allot of choices........First on your list for an Early CJ-5 should be length............then work backwards from there.........if the transmission of choice is anywhere over 12-13 inches from the Bell Housing to where the Transfer case bolts on...........you already have a short rear drive shaft............Go on Novaks web site .......lots of good info there.

 

If you want an overdrive and choose a T5, use a jeep T5. The T5 from a jeep does not have the same bolt pattern as the s10 or camaro and therefore will not bolt up to chevy bell housing. I believe it does have the same pattern as the Ford. Also, there are non-world class and world class T5 transmissions. For use in a jeep, you will have to use the non-world class transmission if that's the route you choose to go. That's what jeep used by modifing the main shaft and tail shaft adapter for use with the dana 300 transfer case.

 

Why would the length of the transmission matter to the rear drive shaft? I mean, I realize if I pushed the transfer case back that would matter but I need to move the transfer case forward 1-2 inches for the Ford swap - it would actually help if the transmission was a couple of inches longer because I could avoid moving the transfer case at if it was.

I think I need to physically measure the complete length of the 2.3, I have not done that yet.

For the record guys having an OD transmission is not that important because I am keeping the transfer case. I just want one that shifts decent, maybe it is just all the T90's I have messed with but they seem to shift really poor and they are very noisy and get to hot. For example in my Jeep you can literally feel the heat coming off the tunnel after only a few minutes of driving.

 

If it's daily driver, T5 would be nice. If you switch to a T5 from your current set-up, you will see a big change in "street performance" but they don't do well off-road.... That's why I now have a T-18.

 

In proper operating condition with an appropriate lube, a T90 shouldn't run any hotter than any other manual transmission. I have never noted above average noise either. They shouldn't sound any different than any of the other typical Jeep 3 speeds, including the T86A, T14, or T15. The only real downside is the lack of a syncromesh first gear. For something designed to go behind a 134 inch L head, it is a very robust tranny. A SM465 4 speed would shift better, but that sounds like gross overkill for what you want and adds about a 100 lbs.

As for your motor swap, even putting in the 2.3L will more than likely permanently alter the Jeep to the point where it will be a real project for someone wanting to restore it to stock. Therefore, I don't see any reason why one would chose a 2.3 over the 4.3. I suspect the mileage will not be significantly different, especially if a EFI version is used and the 4.3 will be a lot nicer on the highway.

 

Hmm I was wondering if it was just my T90 that sounded like that. It might be wore out, I have a spare if it is. The heat is intense

Putting the Jeep back to stock from a 2.3 would really just come down to removing the new crossmember (engine mounts), swappig back the radiator and the linkages. But you are right I am not planning on going back.

The main reason I prefer the 2.3 is because it is so much smaller and no dist hitting the firewall. Plus it should be so much cheaper to swap, we will see on that deal though. I would hope there would be a big difference between the mpg on the two engines. The people who I have talked to who used the 2.3 are all getting between 22-28 mpg and one guy in Canada reckons he gets 32 mpg. I think getting 25 mpg would be easy with that engine. I can't imagine a 4.3 would get anywhere near 25 mpg but I could be wrong, people list all sorts of mileage for them because they have so many different tire setups, ect

I do have to admit that for some reason the Chevy 4.3 engine is my favorite engine. I am not sure why but it is. But, I just don't think it feels right for this Jeep. I am trying to keep it looking and feeling near stock. I think either engine would be just fine on the highway but I am certain in steep hills and stuff like that the Chevy would be way better


Lots to think about. I think the transmission will come down to either a T18/19 or a SM465 unless I just stay with the T90. Both the T19 and SM465 are easy to find and both can be mated to the D18 transfer case.


Oh, another reason I am considered the Ford 2.3 is I have a line on a running 1987 Ford Ranger for $500. I was planning on buying that truck and taking basically everything out of it that I need. But, just getting a junk yard 4.3 might do the trick also


"If it's daily driver, T5 would be nice. If you switch to a T5 from your current set-up, you will see a big change in "street performance" but they don't do well off-road.... That's why I now have a T-18"

Jeep will be a total daily driver with the only off roading it will see will be legit travel across our very remote property, but that will be mostly grassland and mud. I have a hard time believe a Ford Ranger 2.3 would be able to harm a transmission that came in a Ford Mustang. I am going to read up on the T5 and see what I think, it definitely sounds like a good thing but I would say right now the T19 is the fore runner

 

Man get you an oddfire 225 or modern 231 v6, and SM465, if your going to be pulling stuff,and swapping stuff.
They fit perfect in the engine bay

 

That 2.3 makes more power than people give it credit for and as far as durability they run those engines in dirt track cars (can't remember the class) so there are plenty of parts available to beef them up if necessary. Also way lighter than a 4.3

 

Yeah the 225 I pulled out was at-least 400 pounds or better, but nice power 160hp and 250 ft pounds of torque .

I dont know the specs of the 4 bangers?

 

I believe the 225 is about 415lb, the 4.3 425 lbs, and the 2.3 at about 330 lbs. All are lighter than the F head which is about 470 lbs. And there is no problem with a 4.3 distributor in the firewall if a long (most common) adapter is used.

 

Tomato stock the 2.3 will make anywhere from 90 HP to around 160 HP depending on the year, ect. The one I have my eye on is a 1989 Fuel Inject model which was good for about 100 HP. But, they can easily be modified to run a lot more if you want to mess with it. I know a guy who dirt races them and his 2.3 engine puts out about 370 HP but that cost a fair amount of money. If I wanted that kind of power I would use a V8

Good to know about the distributor Duffer.

Btw Tomato - I don't do odd fires

 

Saw a 2.3 on youtube a while back and it was over 500 HP. definitely not street or trail friendly but over 125 HP per cylinder is still bad.

 

If you go 2.3 this will allow a SM465 or any other GM tranny to bolt to ford bell housing 250 bucks i think

 

Hmm, that is interesting Tomato. Opens up the options some - thanks

 

Tomato,
Who makes that adapter .

 

I know offenhauser makes one,

And speedway sells one but they are atleast 40 bucks to high on theirs, 299. with free shipping

I think , offys is like 250
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