T-14 or T-150?

So those are my two options. I know other transmissions might be better suited to the V8, but those are the two I have. Which should I go with?

 

Well darn. I'm gonna end up tearing that thing up. I need to get this thing together so I can start peddlin parts. Need to recoup a little.

 

Now is the time for a truck 4 speed! Ebay those trannys, keep the bell for the T-150 and get a junkyard NP435.

 

What trucks do I look for? I know nothing about transmission models vs vehicles.

 

Read through the "knowledge base" on Novak's website. Lots of ideas and info:

http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/knowledge_gateway.htm

NP435s can be found in Ford 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ton trucks from 1966 to 1992. Check Novak's site for years that Dodge and GM used the tranny.

 

JMO - T-150 over the T-14. The T-150 was used with the 304 76-79, and it has better ratios IMO. In particular, 2nd is a more useful ratio for uphill and passing.

Neither is really appropriate behind a 401 though.

 

Also, the NP435 has been mentioned a lot around here lately, but there's not that much difference between it and the wide-ratio T-18. If you buy an adapter, either of these transmissions would be suitable - just depends on which you can find for the right price.

You need to read the respective pages on the Novak site if you are interested:
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transmission_gateway.htm

 

I agree. The T18 is a good box. The local market (everyone wants a rig for the Rubicon) has put a demand on used T18s pricewise. Other good trannys like the NP435 and SM465 are still cheap.

 

Well, I just called the closest auto salvage and he said that their computers were down, but he was almost positive they had both to choose from. I'll be interested to see what their price is. With the NP435, won't I need an adapter to the dana 20?

 

Yes, you will need an adapter for the NP435. You will also need an adabter for the ford T18. About the easiest way not purchase an adapter is to find a Jeep late 70s wide ratio T18 out of a CJ. These are somewhat rare and priced high. I saw one go on Ebay the other day for $250, but the guy want something like $200 to ship it. Anyway, If you find one in the doner jeep, that is best. Then take everything you can including the drive shafts.
Most of these truck four speeds require disassemble to install the adapter. Most of the adapters are in the $500 range. Add to that custom driveshafts, exhaust, bell housings, clutch, and other stuff, you can easily spend over $1k not including the cost of a tranny.

 

R) Can you say T-150??????R)

 

You can also look for a T-15, which is the strongest 3-speed available. It came stock with the 304 in CJs from 1972-75, and was also used in Wagoneers and Jeep trucks with the 258, 350 or 360 from 1971-79. You want the CJ version and bellhousing, which will be the shortest. It's a step up from the T-150, but not as strong as the T-18 and its ilk.

It is possible to do the T-18 swap on the cheap using junkyard parts. However, you need both a T-18 from a Jeep truck or Wagon (or IH 4x4), and a Ford 2WD T-18 so you can mix the parts. It requires either replacement of the input shaft (using the Jeep case) or disassembly of the transmission and replacement of the mainshaft and adapter (using the Ford case). You can buy the Ford input shaft, but depending on your locality, it might be cheaper to buy both complete transmissions.

 

T-18A

Other trans are for pink jeeps with ribbons in their hair !

 

With the NP435, I noticed a couple of different styles. Longer tailshafts or something. What should I look for?

 

I believe that the Novak kit works for a 2wd or 4wd tranny. What ever is on the back comes off and the adapter goes on. I know any Ford NP435 will work. I used a NP435 out of a 1969 2wd F250. Check Novak's site for mopar or GM NP435 compatibility.

 

Dvader is right. Novak has adapters for both the two drive and the four wheel drive versions, and according to them, there is no inherent adavantage over either one once you have the proper adapter kit for the NP435. The NP435 has a 6.69:1 ratio for 1st gear in 2wd. That's better than what I get now with my T-15 in four low. The only other tranny lower in 1st is the SM 420 which is a 7:1. The SM420, SM465 and NP435
are all good trannys. I just chose the NP435 because I got it for nothing,
and it's in great shape. Also I have a good friend that is a Ford guy and he has offered to help me get this tranny in and working in my jeep.

 

I don't know if the T-18 will need an adapter or not. I do know that the NP435, SM420 and SM465 will need an adapter kit to mate these trannys.
Go to novak-adapt.com or search google for Novak and click on the knowledge base tab and you will find all you need to know. You can also email eric at novak and he will help you out.