Newbie with transmission questions

Hi all.

This is my first post so please bear with me I am still learning. I recently purchased two CJ5s for projects for my son and I. One is a 72 with a 304 3 speed and the other was said to be a 68 with a Dauntless V-6 and a three speed. The vin number on this says its a 1966 so I am not sure which it is or if it really matters. My first question about transmissions. The 68 with the Dauntless 225 has no bellhousing how do I identify a correct one. Also is there a four speed that work with the D-225. Anyones opinion on whether I should stick the 3 speed or switch to four speed would be appreciated. Thanks Jeff

 

Dauntles uses a Buick Pontiac Olds bellhousing hence BOP. GM four speeds or three speeds bolt up to that bellhousing. But you'll need an adapter to bolt to the tranfer case. There is one particular to the Dauntless that has the trans adapter as part of the unit it's only good to be able to use a Jeep trans pattern with. Good reading here, may answer you questions you didn't know you had...http://www.novak-adapt.com/

 

I think David means you'll need an adapter to bolt to the transmission. You need the GM BOP bell plus an adapter plate between the bell and the transmission.

Take a look at the Novak site - the usual 4-speed swap is a wide-ratio truck 4-speed with a "granny" 1st gear. You don't have the use that kind of transmission, but that's what most Jeepers want, to get the low-low gearing.

The 4-speed swap can be done with junkyard parts, but there's nothing that's really bolt-in other than the original 3-speed. If you can do the 4-speed swap for much less than say $700 to $1000, you're getting a bargain.

Check old posts here using the search function. Lots of info online here already.

Welcome from Boston!

 

Yes, Tim is correct , thanks Tim. Sometimes in my attempt at brevity or to make the point before I forget th.........what were we talking about?..........

 

forgot Caddy. the factory used an adaptor between the bell housing and trans till 70. 71 has a 1 piece housing.

would trust a VIN over a po (previous owner).

as far as the trans goes, what do you what to do and how much you wanna spend?


:uwop:

 

If you look at E-bay right now there is a bellhousing and adapter one is 20 the other is 40 check them out
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WILL...006QQitemZ160160404659QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/WILL...006QQitemZ160160405084QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
not sure if they are right ones but???

 

That bellhousing is the factory one for a 225 from 1966-1970. The adapter that is pictured looks to be the one for a t14 or t86 3 speed. If you run a 4 speed the adapter will be useless, the sm420 will bolt right up to that bellhousing with a minor mod to the lower bolt holes of the bellhosuing, the sm465 will require the bearing retainer bore to be opened up in the bell.

 

I've actually picked up and used old BOP...&C scattershields from racers for little of nothing at swap meets don't see as many as I once did though... You have to turn the middle out of those usually if you use a 465...just another option.....

 

That works quite well. Be aware though that Pontiac and Olds have the starter pocket on the driver side whereas Buick has it on the passenger side so you need one with both starter pockets or one from a Buick. That's why many later model BOPC bellhousings have them on both sides, standardization. Not sure about Cadillac. Nickmil

 

Thanks to all for the information. Once I get them in my garage and know for sure what I have I am sure to have questions. I am located in NW Pa a little south of Erie. I am sure these will keep us busy through the winter months. I am thinking now I should have put a heated floor in the garage R)

 

Welcome from eastern Pa! I also swapped in T18 out of a Ford with my :v6:. Really nice. Good luck with your projects!