M38A1s and T98A Transmissions

A few M38A1s came out with the T98A transmission but I've never seen one. I'm installing one in my A1 but have run into a problem. It's a much larger tranny. It's higher and longer. The length is easier to adapt but I'm finding the case is too high so it hits the bottom of the floor of my Jeep. I've trimmed a little but A1s have a 17 gallon gas tank so I can't trim enough to accommodate the transmission.

I've looked at doing a body lift for additional clearance but I'm hoping there's an easier solution. I also thought briefly about trying to move the engine forward but it doesn't look like I would gain much more room.

Is there anyone out there with an A1 that has a T98 in it? I'm hoping to find someone with an original factory install AND someone that has done a conversion. Here are a few pictures of what I have to work with. Thanks.

 

It already has a 7/8" drop via some spacers. I'm not sure how much I could drop it without running into clearance problems and/or angle problems.

 

It still needs about another inch.

 

Oldtime, thanks for the CJ3b link. I'll have to study that later. A quick glance shows some of the types of parts are duplicated (i.e. # 911600 Lever and Tube, clutch control (8-1/2") and# 923636 Lever and Tube, clutch control (9-1/4")). As for the crossmember spacer, I assume you mean the middle x-member. I'm dropping that with 3/8" steel plate stacked on 1/2" plate for a total of 7/8". I figure it'll be more durable than wood. The wood under the gas tank is something I wasn't up on.

noahlon, I noticed you dropped your skid plate as well as the x-member. Was that for parking brake drum clearance?

Shaun, I'm leaning towards the body mounts too. Coupled with the wood blocks under the gas tank it'll make a difference. I'll have to check the clearance on my seat. The last thing I want to do is raise that an inch. I'll lose more sight line through the windshield. Just checking all of the options.

 

I'd just spend a few minutes and put a small body lift on it.

 

X2!

 

Rralphs, the 2nd picture shows a spacer on the end of the x-member. That drops the x-member lower.

 

I'm looking at a BL. I've seen some lift kits with 11 mounts but crawling around I'm not seeing that many attachment points. I checked my FSM and my M38A1 manual and didn't find any help. Does anyone know of a diagram or description that shows the mounting points?

 

Lesssee-

four across the back

two in the rear floor

two on the riser

three under the front floor

I think thats eleven.

H.

p.s. don't forget the grill will have to go up too.