Transmission Upgrade for 72 CJ5 304 V8

I've searched the forum and read a lot but I still have some questions. I currently have a 1972 Jeep CJ5 w/ 304 V-8 and 3spd manual trans. I'm very cost conscious and I'm looking for the most economical way to install a 4spd manual transmission into my CJ5, I think any automatic will be too long for the CJ5 wheelbase. I'm looking for a transmission that will not require a lot of money to adapt to fit into the CJ5. I've thought about a T-18 maybe from a cherokee and changing input shafts??? Or a T-176??? What are your thoughts? Can I keep my stock transfer case also or do I have to change that also??? Thanks for your help,
Mike

 

Why do you want a 4 speed? If its for overdrive the T-18 will not work. It has a granny gear and 3 normal gears that top out at 1:1.

 

Exactly, why do you want a 4-speed? Did the Jeep come from the factory with a V8? Then you'll have a T-15. The original T-15 is a very strong transmission and would be fine in most case. A T-176 is a downgrade (not as strong IMO), and won't fit your existing transfer case.

 

I am in the same boat with both my jeeps. Both my three speeds have seen some better days. Green Jeep will probably just get a rebuilt t150 or t15. Only reason for that is because I have them. Black jeep I scored a T-18 from a Jtruck. I have to do the input shaft mods to it yet. I was looking for lower crawl and something a little tuffer in Black Jeep. So far I have $150 tied up in the T-18 and I haven't bought any of the front shaft parts yet.

 

cost conscious = ?

Dude, jeep = $$$$$$
Try a cheaper hobby like golf or something

Like they said t-18 has a granny gear.

Maybe pull a five speed out of a wrecked wrangler?

Are you trying to save gas?
Sell your jeep and get a honda.

Anything else you will need to purchase plates to mate any kind of engine/tranmission/bellhousing.

 

Probably too long. I'd expect any 5-speed other than a T-5 is going to be too long for a CJ-5. And a Jeep T-5 won't hold up to the 304.

To save money, I'd keep the T-15.

 

The NV3550 might be short enough to fit, but I really doubt it. I have looked at the 3550 for mine and decided it was just too long. Combined with teh V6 and the S10 transfer case it may have worked out. But that sure isn't cost concious. That would also involve replacing the front diff to something driver drop.

I think the T-18 is a good choice if you want a 4 speed. But unless you get extreamly lucky it is going to cost. Like I said, I have $150 in the trans, another $200 to adapt the front to the 304, (360) then whatever drive shafts cost. I figure I will need CV shafts because of the length and angle of the rear shaft. The front is a maybe for the CV. I figure $300 - $350 each for shafts. So all said and done I will have $1000 tied up in putting the 4 speed in. Darn near as much as what the jeep is worth...

 

Jeeptherapy,

Good news is that when you put in that tranny and it moves the transfer case back, it will improve your angle for the front shaft. You'll want to lengthen it, but won't need a CV.

Better news? You hinted at $200 to overcome the extra long FSJ input shaft. Is that the partsmike kit or another one?

Also, Beware the CJ T-18B, I saw one on ebay the other day and almost bit until I figured out it was the close ratio, non-granny gear, version.

 

I think I'm going to stick with the T-15. I'm not sure if a lower first gear is worth all of the cost involved. I was hoping to maybe gain more of a top end also, but the more I'm finding out it would be the same as my T15 in that aspect, the only gain would be a crawler/granny gear. The transmission and engine work great so if I do indeed to decide to go that route I will wait till one breaks then probably go with the SM465 if thats possible. Thanks for all of the answers, you guys are great,
Mike

 

If you have stock 3.73 grearing and 31" or bigger tires, then your rpm's shouldn't be too bad. After driving modern cars with overdrives now for years it does seem like the jeeps rev too high, but they can handle it. You could always add taller tires to change your gear ratio, probably the easiest mod.
When I had a T-15 it was always the tall reverse that bothered me, I don't always like to back up that fast!

 

I just bought a T-176 because I wanted the lower 1rst gear. I called Advance Adapter about mating it to my Dana 20 transfer case. 510.00 dollars for the adapter! I bought a Dana 300 transfer case for 175.00 off E-bay. Now I have lower 1rst gear and lower low range. Now I need to get it installed. I think the T-176 will be a step up from my T-14.

 

I thought all 4 speeds gave a final ratio of 1:1 but on Herm's site he has a Ford 4 spd that gives a 20% overdrive. If you are looking for a lower gearing in FWD you might think about a transfer case mod like the Tetra Lo. This seems pricey ( $740 ) but this might be less than a 4 spd by the time all the mods are made. Just something to think about.

 

The trans I have is a long input wide ratio FSJ. I am keeping the eyeballs open for a Ford T-18 on the cheap. I don't ever seem to find good deals on stuff like that until I have already shelled out the cash to adapt the one I have...

As soon as I get done I will find a cheap CJ5 with a factory T-18 that has the driveshafts and adapters I need... story of my life, I am the guy that pays full price so everyone else can get a good deal.

 

Having just went through this with my 75 CJ5 I can say the best way is to install a Ford T18 four speed.. These are fairly common and there are no surprises.. You will need a short input shaft and a shorter bellhousing..
There is a ton of info at Novaks site.. Both Parts Mike and Novak have input shaft kits.. T18 rebuild kits can be found on E-bay for ~ $100... I believe the Bell hoousing you need is a T150... Also found on E-bay or a junk yard..

 

Also, If you're spending the money to adapt a transfer case, its no more expensive to adapt it to a D300 than it is to adapt it to a D20. Ebay can supply a good used D300 for $150 or less (I got mine for $80). Then you get the granny gear and a much better low range.