T 98 4 Speed Transmission

How rare is this transmission in the early CJs (I have yet to see one)? Does the gear ratio allow for take off in 2nd gear with 5.38s (or 4.27s)?

 

It was offered as an option in early CJs, I have a 98 with the V-6 and 4.88s. No problem starting in 2nd gear, in fact I often find 1st gear in low range waaaay
too slow going up and down steep terrain.

 

AFAIK the T-98 was only offered as an option with the F134 engine. Any V6 Jeep with a T-98 will be a swap. The few V6 Jeeps that got a 4-speed got the close ratio T-18.

The T-98 will have a granny gear 1st, and the CR T-18 has a lower but not granny 1st. Certainly you can skip 1st with the T-98, and most will skip 1st with the CR T-18.

The F134 T-98 combo is not rare in the classic car sense, but it is unusual. The V6 T-18 combo qualifies as rare.

 

I consider that the T98 operates as a standard 3 speed.
It has 4 ratios that are designated as Low, 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
Low ratio (not synchronized) is solely intended for use with extreme loads, extreme inclines and for very slow speeds.

 

IIRC the 2nd gear in a T98 in a little bit lower than 1st in a standard T90.