converting manual to auto what/where/how/who

well that not so trusty t-5 left me stranded today.

whathappened ? i think i sheared the shaft.it will roll while in gear..

so i'm trying to gather all needed parts to convert this 1980 cj-5 into an auto.

i found some 700r4's and i know i have a few turbo 350's laying around in this yard..

which is better for daily driving and some play time? 700r4 right?

what do i need to plug this into my dana 300...who do i need to talk to?

this jeep already has a 1977 pontiac 350 in it...

any help with this will be appreciated

 

I'd start here: http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/th350.htm I think the TH350 is considered the best choice for a CJ-5, because of its shorter length. The CJ-5 never came from the factory with an automatic, so there's no obvious junkyard solution.

The CJ-7 came with the TH400 and Quadratrac, and later it came with the smaller Torqueflite, TF904 or TF909. Those will all be difficult due to length. I hear that the Ford C4 is pretty short, but I don't know much about it - Advance Adapters probably makes an adapter to a D300. I'd think the TH350 would be easier because there are BOP cases out there that will bolt up to your 350 - probably best just to plunk down your money and buy an adapter.

 

Because of the CJ5 wheelbase your driveline angles will increase for sure. Thats why AMC used the longer CJ7 for the automatic tranny with the Warner Quadratrac system. I would try Advance Adaptors or Novac as a good source for your conversion. As far as the tranny, I've never had any luck with a 700R4. They are a P.O.S in my opinion, but thats just my 2 cents. MY choise would be the TH350 or TH400.

 

so is it better to put manual back in?...are all compatable with hydraulic?...


i was trying to save green with a chevy tranny..one less adapter to worry about..


maybe a "turn key" tranny might work out better...


i'm gonna do some more searching

 

is it best to get a th350 from a 4x4? sorry i forgot

 

ok one more question....who here has done this swap?

how much of a pita was it...?

 

Not to highjack, but that little red sand CJ-5 in this month JP had an auto IIRC. Might be worth it to look at the specs of that CJ.

My 2 cents

 

According to Novak, yes, easier and the kit is less expensive.

 

A Chevy TH350 won't bolt up to a Pontiac engine. If you truly have a Poncho motor, you're going to have to find a BOP or combo tranny with both bolt patterns. If you have the "corporate" V8, it's most likely a Chevy 305 which is easy to find trannys for. I'd suggest nailing down exactly which engine you have before you go too far.

I don't think you have any chance of finding a BOP or combo tranny that's four wheel drive. From what I read on Novak, the conversion from two wheel to four wheel isn't that bad. A tranny shop could do it in a couple hours as only the output shaft needs to be changed.

 

I'd suggest the 700R4, lower first gear and an OD for faster driving. The trans is also only 1.5" longer than a TH350 and same length as a TH400.

I've seen the 4.3 and 700r4 in two flatfenders and one was stock wheel base, so it will fit with the extra 4" a long fender has BUT it's going to be tight.

Now the bad:

The chevy trans, if a 4x4, might be able to bolt the D300 with the stock adapter. I'm a little vague on this conversion but I know it's close to a bolt in.

If using a chevy, a BOP adapter needs to be used. This is about a 3/8 in plate to match the top two bolts.

The combo with an adapter (can remember which one) is 38" long, bellhousing to output yoke. Not sure exactly what year the Xfer is and '80 has the shortest out, believe the 38" would be the long output. This may require the engine to be moved as far foward as possiable.

Now comes the fun part, the trans is big and not really made for a pass side output. With stock axles this causes a problem with the front driveshaft. To over come the driveshaft problems a two piece driveshaft can be used or a little creative mounting is in order. The motor can be moved over towards the driver and the Xfer toward the pass side. Yes, this mounting style puts eveything in there crooked but the engine doesn't know and will help with driveshaft clearance.

The TH350 will run into a lot of the same problems.

 

well i do have aGM goodwrench 350 sitting on a stand...complete

i see the sm420 is a 1500 turn key...probably a little cheaper..considering i need cooler/lines/shifter/adapter/tranny...

my pontiac 350 has 350 on the intake....

the converion was done right...they just boogered some stuff


btw anybody have an extra #3251268 bellhousing laying around?

 

One more suggestion would be to locate a junker 1968-70 waggy with the buick 350. the TH400 will bolt up to your poncho V8 I believe and is set up for 4 wheel drive.

 

Just wondering? Is there a specific reason you want to go with an automatic trans? Seems like a lot of trouble to go through vs rebuilding your stick, unless you want a rad custom or freeway flyer?

 

not really a reason just aggrivated with manuals lately....

 

I think the TH350 swap has been done to quite a few CJ-5s. If you would buy the Novak kit to do it, you could give them a call and ask for advice and comments.

Some people like the automatic transmissions for trail use. They require a little different two-footed style of driving, but there are some technical advantages, ie torque multiplication, fast shifting, fewer things to focus on, and hey, they shift automatically!

I think they can even be set up for compression braking with a locking torque converter, so you can even have the feel of a manual if you want.

 

this is how i'm looking at it..

fix t-5....breaks....fix it....... breaks............right?

get a turn key sm420 lasts forever..but sucky mpg? but i have to add clutch ect so i'm looking at over $2000 in it

get a 700r4 they go for 100-200 here

add the adapter i'll still have maybe less than $1000 in it

btw i have the hook up on custom converters

 

Well good luck with the project. As timgr has stated, Novak and Advance Adaptors will be the best source for info and conversion kits for this project. Just depends what you want to use this rig for. I think sticking with a good manuel trans will cost less $$$, but if alterations have already been made to the stock engine and drive train, then go with what works for you.
If you dont need this vehicle as your daily driver right now or not planing a stock restoration, then go for it.

 

it is a daily driver....hell i get over 23 mpg with this 2brl 350...


this why i'm asking what i can do...

auto is not set in stone....i'm very open to suggestions...my mind is not made up...probably never will be til it's done

 

Me personally, I would rebuild the gear box you have or find a T18 granny 4 speed. This is just my opinion because of financial reasons and path of least resistance. I also prefer the manuel trans for practical reasons and ease of service. Yes the automatic would serve as a more user friendly option for hard core off road use but that still comes down to what you want and are willing to spend on this vehicle.

 

Mmm. I too would not be that enthusiastic about putting a lot of money into the T-5. Remember that this is not the "world class" T-5 used in some sporty cars, but instead a generic passenger car 5-speed.

A T-176 would be a step up, and would match the D300, though you'd give up the overdrive gear. Not sure how it would match up on the engine side, since you are adapted to the Pontiac V8. You could maybe go with one of Herm's RTS overdrive 4-speed transmissions, although Herm's web site only offers a RTS for the D18 or D20.