Dumb Questions.

I've got a '77 CJ5
First, any reason I shouln't use wide track axles off a '84-86 CJ7?
Second,
Was the Tremec T176/Dana 300 transmission combination fitted to '80-'83 CJ5s

 

Re: Dumbass Questions.

No, and yes.

 

Re: Dumbass Questions.

I can think of one - you might not like the gear ratios from that era.

 

Re: Dumbass Questions.

x2, some of the 80's cj's had as bad as 2.73 gears in the axles.

If you already have a 4 speed trans, the 176/d300 combo might not be a worthwhile upgrade.

 

Agree on all points. I have a T-176/Dana 300 combination in my 74 that came out of a 1980 CJ-5. I'm very happy with it but it's not a heavy-duty truck transmission like a T-18 or NP435 or SM420. The T-176 is a much more street-friendly transmission though, with all gears synchronized and ratios that make it a pretty easy transmission to live with. Its first gear is not all that low for off-roading, but it's not bad. It's a pretty stout unit too, and holds up to V8 power pretty well, whereas the later SR4, T-4 and T-5 are pretty notoriously weak.

 

Agree on all points, I have a T176/NP208 ( 2.61:1 ) in my 81 waggy DD along with 3.31:1Diffs, The T176 is street / dirt road friendly, When I get off on to the local dirt trails I must immediately get into low range. I have found this combination to be right at the limit of usable tall gears for moderate wheeling. Occasionally I have had to use the clutch for higher stall speed when getting the tires up onto a moderate obstacle. This combo would not be the best if you intend to get into technical or heavy wheeling but otherwise is good all around comprimise for street and moderate trails.

Having a T-Case like the D300 with gears in the 4:1 range would give better trail gearing while keeping the streetability of the T176 and 3.31:1 diff's

 

If you have a choice, look for a T-177 tranny as it has a slightly lower first gear than a T-176. I believe they came in 81 and later CJ's. There is a part number on the transmission case that identifies the transmission. See atached pic for p/n tag location.

Part # 5359389 T-177 3.82 first gear
Part # 5359390 T-176 3.52 first gear

 

Axle ratios in the wide tracks are 2.73, but I could get 4.10 swopped in.
T176/d300 is about my best option out of the transmissions I have lying about.
Bearing in mind that rear driveshaft length is an issue on a CJ5, I have the options of:-
T150/D20 (15" engine to T/C)
T176/D300(19.5")
T4/D300 (length unknown but I'd never fit one to a jeep of mine)
Tf999/D300(23")
AX15/D300 (24")
If Jeep fitted the T176 thats good enough for me, I'll use it.

 

well out of those the 176/300 combo is definitely the best for a cj5.

 

Reason to not swap axles: Expense and time. Do you have a compelling reason to want wider axles? I don't know how you use your Jeep. If I could snap my fingers and cause the axle tubes to grow a couple of inches I suppose I would. I would not personally invest time or money into the wider axles because they offer no advantage given how I intend to use it. Your needs may be different.

 

Not compelling no.
But the CJ5 is a basket case at present and the wide track axles look in better condition.
I might swop in a different pair of narrow track axles yet.
I got a pair off a CJ6 with a D44 rear on a 4.27 ratio.
I dunno yet, just comparing options.

 

4.27 is a very practical ratio, esp. with oversize tires. No need to swap the gears in that case.

 

One reason I thought about wider axles was I'm thinking about dropping a 360 in and a 2.5" lift.
Propensity to roll over is an issue, especially on a SWB jeep.
Having said that I'd never manhandled a "loose" 360 until last week when I bought two engines,
I'd SWEAR the V8 feels lighter than the I6.