Still pondering Tranny repair... Should I go to an automatic?

I know anything is possible. That being said, how big of a PITA would it be to put an automatic behind my 350, and still keep the 4wd? Can I keep the d18? Any thoughts or opinions welcome.

Thanks

 

As i remember reading here it is not that hard to do. just you end up nearly mounting your rear output to your pinion on the axle.

 

The drive shaft would be too short, thats why 5's never came stock with automatics.

 

Novak makes an adapter for the conversion...$475, plus I'd have to get the correct output shaft for another $42, not to mention buying the TH350 to begin with. It would be cheaper to rebuild the T90. I guess I'm just frustrated...

I took the tranny cover off tonight. I hit everything hard with degreaser and plan a good pressure washing tomorrow morning. I guess this is the only way I will find the leak. I did notice that the top of the tranny was covered in gear oil. Does it work it's way up from the draft below? If not, could the gasket at the shift tower be the culprit? I loose an awful lot of fluid...

 

Dennis,

I would talk to Partick when he returns. I'm pretty sure his dad runs a 225/TH350/D18 combo. Granted yours might be a little longer depending on how far forward your 350 is mounted but its worth a shot.

 

Watch ebay adapters from time to time for T350 to Dana 18-20 turn up there. I have found that depending on the thickness of the front adaptor you may not have to give up much on the driveshaft. Did it once and was able to move the engine forward and not shorten the shaft. Because of the thickness of the front adapter plus T90 the T350 and adapter and transfer case length was only slightly longer.

 

Or go with a TH400. Then you can use a factory Dana 20 adaptor from a commando or Wagoneer. Works fine with the Dana 18, as long as you have a big hole 26 tooth version.

 

i would go with the T-400 like oldjeep said, this combo is very beefy and somewhat easy to find, and you will love the way auto feels when your on the trail, jason.

 

you are already dealing with a tight fit using a TH350, the TH400 is almost 3 inches longer and makes the overall length of drive train almost impossible with a V8.

JB

 

The novak -adapt web site has a section that will answer your questions.

 

I would rather have used an auto motic with my v8 swap, but after doing alot of resaerch, I strayed away. Way to short on the rear driveshaft to have any articulation even with a cv driveshaft. Another downfall is motor angle to get enough clearance for the front driveshaft to have plenty of clearance for the bellhousing.In my opinion, i would get rid of the t90, as it is as small weak transmission, especially behind a v8, but dont go auto. Find a strong manual trans to replace it with. I went with a t18 from a jeep.