1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

T90 To T18 Swap

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by colojeepguy, Aug 5, 2022.

  1. Aug 6, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    So with a screwdriver and mallet I can move the 2-3 synchro. Nothing visible worn or broken.
    20220806_085056.jpg
     
  2. Aug 6, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Because the synchronizer blocking plates are notched it is not practical to slide the synchronizer sleeve back and forth by hand. The cane provides much needed leverage. Use a mild tap with a hammer to slide the synchronizer sleeve.
     
  3. Aug 6, 2022
    homersdog

    homersdog Tulsa, Ok 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2012
    Messages:
    2,354
    Can you verify the clutch is working now by turning the input gear while working the pedal?
     
    Fireball likes this.
  4. Aug 6, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,626
    X2 what Grant says. If the clutch it pushed in, you should be able to rotate the input gear.
     
  5. Aug 6, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    Well now I'm pretty convinced this is a bad clutch, although I have never had one act like this. I adjusted it way out, so far that the cable is taut and I'm sure it's running the throw out bearing constantly. I can drive it now, kinda, although it still refuses to shift sometimes.
     
  6. Aug 6, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    If it shifts with very tight clutch control linkage and clutch pedal fully depressed then that certainly suggests that it’s time for a new cover plate assembly.
     
  7. Aug 6, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    Next dilemma....replace clutch and get it back on the road, or start my 4 speed swap. I have a LOT of irons in the fire and I'm not as young as I once was. Replacing the clutch, I can probably have it on the road by September.
    Trans swap will be a months long project.
     
  8. Aug 6, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Sounds to me like your Jeep is highly suggesting you initiate the transmission swap now.
    Now or never !
     
    colojeepguy likes this.
  9. Aug 6, 2022
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,460
    Perhaps but there remains a couple months of high country recreation access. In my world, that is precious time-priceless. IMO, if it is indeed just the cover, I would just replace it and continue with summer plans. The T18/clutch can wait for winter. Do you have access to another cover someplace nearby? Chuck? If not, I have several hanging on the shop wall for the price of shipping.
     
    colojeepguy likes this.
  10. Aug 6, 2022
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
    Joined:
    Nov 12, 2007
    Messages:
    742
    Its good to know that the transmission internals aren't damaged. Just put in a new clutch and enjoy the rest of the summer/fall weather and save the 4 speed swap for the winter.
     
  11. Aug 6, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,593
    Fix the clutch...keep wheeling for the next few months. Get Ethan under there...
     
    jpflat2a likes this.
  12. Aug 6, 2022
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2018
    Messages:
    5,626
    My T-18 swap took about a month and a half once I tore the T-14 out. That was working 3-4 hours a night on it. That also doesn't count several weeks of rebuilding the T-18 ahead of time. Lots of cross-frame mods, OD shifter mods, clutch linkage mods, and floorboard fab involved. I would fix the clutch so you can use the Jeep and do the 4spd swap over the winter.

    You can see the T-18 install in my build thread starting here: 71 Wheeling Rig
     
    dnb71R2 and Stakebed like this.
  13. Aug 6, 2022
    47v6

    47v6 junk wrecker! 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    USA
    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2006
    Messages:
    5,798
    I vote for fix it and run it. The clutch can be done in 4 hours or less, start to finish.
     
    fhoehle and dozerjim like this.
  14. Aug 6, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    I'm into it about 4 hours and this is as far as I've got.
    20220806_181153.jpg

    Honestly, if I don't do the T18 now I probably never will. I'm 56 years old and this stuff hurts me.
     
    fhoehle, 47v6, Fireball and 2 others like this.
  15. Aug 6, 2022
    Glenn

    Glenn Kinda grumpy old man Staff Member

    Apopka, Fl
    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2002
    Messages:
    12,367
    How bad do you really need the T18?
     
    fhoehle and dozerjim like this.
  16. Aug 6, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Pull the clutch out and get that part fixed right
    Then see how you feel.
    No need to be in a hurry on decisions.
    Think it over. Overnight always helps.
    Certainly No need to have a 4 speed just because everyone else wants it.
    Get what you really want in the end, but don’t torture yourself to get there.
     
    dozerjim, 47v6, Ol Fogie and 2 others like this.
  17. Aug 6, 2022
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,110
    Do I NEED it? No, probably not. I've been off roading this Jeep for 22 years all over Colorado. But there's been many times (including last Monday at Wheeler lake) when the 2.79 1st gear in the T90 just doesn't cut it.
    I have the 4 speed, but I'll need to change the input shaft. I have a transfer case for it, but it'll need rebuilt.
    If I buy a clutch for the current setup, it's going g to need a different disc and pilot bushing for the 4 speed.
     
    Glenn and Stakebed like this.
  18. Aug 6, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
    You could always put a low range kit in the D18. :whistle:
     
    dozerjim likes this.
  19. Aug 6, 2022
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
    Joined:
    Apr 28, 2011
    Messages:
    5,407
    I vote just fix clutch for now
    a T 18 swap . is really time consuming
     
    dnb71R2, dozerjim, 47v6 and 2 others like this.
  20. Aug 6, 2022
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,466
    Righto, the driven disc must match the maindrive gear.
    The clutch is mated to a Dauntless …. right ???
    So are you wanting a diaphragm type or 3 finger cover plate assembly ?
    I generally vote diaphragm type unless you plow snow or skid logs.
     
New Posts