Bullnose with 258/T-18/Dana 20

Bullnose commando with the 258, T-18 and dana 20 is for sale locally. I've read that it's not a common combination. Also read that the T18 may not be easy to find parts for. How well does this set up work with a Commando? Any opinions?

 

Haven't heard too much about them for that very reason, it was not a common option. Think I've only seen one or maybe two other ones with the T18 for sale.

 

I thought that a truck 4 speed would be a cumbersome set up in something like a jeepster- overkill unless you just had to have that deep first gear for crawling (and it may not be the wide ratio tranny; might just be the close ratio. That would make it even less useful- you'd have all the slow shifting of a truck tranny and no huge advantage going slow).

I'm thinking I'd be happier with an auto in a jeepster/commando. Which brings up another question as I get into researching these rigs: can a TH350 bolt up instead of the 400? What about other GM autos like the 700R4 or even the 200 4R (my first choice if given one)?

 

You can use a 350. You'd need a trans to engine adapter to bolt it together and a trans to transfer case adapter plus a hook up to the engine for the detent. 700's have been done, same as the 350 as far as adapters. Don't even waste your time thinking about a 200 unless you'll be using it as an anchor. Easiest overall, buy a Commando with a 400 already or buy a scrap Commando with the 400 and use all the parts to convert.

 

AAh! I was thinking but not communicating on this one; I was wondering if the 350 or 700R4 would bolt up to the V6 as does the 400. I know the 258 requires another adaptor to the GM bellhousing which complicates and runs another 500 bucks.

And if the 700r4 bolts up, then have Novak or AA done an adaptor from the 700 to the TC? Be kinda nice to have OD.

 

The 400's Jeep used were the old Buick nailhead bolt pattern so even the V6 used an adapter. A 350 with a BOP bolt pattern would bolt right up to a V6. 700's were never made with the BOP bolt pattern so are not a direct bolt on to the V6. Another option for the AMC engine is a later AMC bolt pattern 400 but because that was only used with the Quadra Trac it would require a different output shaft to use the D20.