Quadra-trac vs manual

[FINK]

I have a 78 wagoneer that I am just starting to tinker with. Should I stay with the quad or change to manual system? Currently, it doesn't shift into 'emergency mode'. Airline is probably off I guess. Is there a good reference book out there to go through the drivetrain and check the airline routing and connection points and some basic inpection points on the runnin gear?

[River Beast]

Welcome to the Forum!!! Most of you questions on the QT unit can be answered right here... use the Search button to find all sorts of info.

Check your vac lines first. they run up to the firewall to the switch in the glove box and the source vac line goes from the switch to the intake manifold.

Changing out the QT for any other t-case reuqires that you completely disassemble the tranny to swap in the proper tailshaft to mate to your T-case of choice... or buying and adapter kit from Advance Adapters or Novaks Conversions.... either way the OEM TH400 tailshaft on your FSJ is uniguw to the QT units only.

I just swapped out my QT for a D20

[joe]

Fink, the BW/QT IMHO is the best d*mn full-time case ever put in a Jeep. Some parts are getting hard to find though(gears) but if yours is in good shape keep it going as long as possible. I'll email you the vac shift diagramn for the QT...pretty simple lash up.

[Don S]

FINK.. Welcome to IFSJA, I hope you will like it.. I vote with -joe.. I like my QT... and by keeping it, it doesn't cost extra ;) to swap it out.. CUL.. ds..

[River Beast]

I agree entirely!... I would still have my QT if it weren't for the amount of lift I'm running....full-time 4WD with a 32 degree front shaft operating angle was going to be too much.

The QT is a REALLY TOUGH case and would still run it.... as long as they are maintained properly, they will be your saving grace in MANY situations.

[Lindel]

Let's just say that I'm going to be switching from a T-15/D20 to a TH400/QT, in the very near future.

For 2 reasons: No.1, my wife is near the point that she can no longer drive a standard (bad hip), and 2, her 78 wag has a TH400/QT, and I've been very impressed with it's performance, as compared to the T-15/D20 that I've got.

Like everyone else has said, it's a tough t-case (so is the D20), but I like the advantage of full-time 4wd, and it has a better low range than the D20 does (2.57 compared to 2.03).

Just my .02.

[desert_freak]

Yes, Yes and Yes, but D20 requires no special juice, no perodic chain replacement and you would have to try VERY hard to break one. I love the D20 in my J10 and will be switching my Cherokee from the TH400/QT to the TH400/D20 very soon. Since I will be going SOA this also factored into the equation. How often do you really need 4wd other than wheeling? I was born and raised in Wisconsin and never owned a 4wd as long as I lived there, nor did just about anybody I knew have one. You learned to drive with what your had (most cases a rear wheel drive, can you say fishtail :D ) and the only guys running 4wd were farmers or guys with plows. I'm sure things have changed some over time esp. since just about every company out there offers a full time 4wd these days. I like knowing I can wheel hard and not have to worry about my case.

Now if I wasn't going SOA I think I would have still leaned towards the TH400/D20 combo.

Just my .02

P.J.

[Stolen76]

I'm running the QT with a part time kit. This truck drives like a caddy with the front hubs unlocked. I pulled it out and took it all apart replaced bad bearings etc.. it was incredibly easy to work on. The kit has a pretty good price, but I think it was well worth it. I dropped $425 to get the kit.

[FINK]

I'm pretty sure that I'm staying with the QT. Money is always a consideration.
I'll get pictures pretty soon and put them out so you guys can see what kind of mountian I'm trying to climb.

Thanks for all the info

[Chero77]

I guess I would vote for keeping the QT as well. Swapping to a Dana 20 is a lot of hassle. Have to remove trans, tear down and swap out output shaft, etc. Then you still have the offset rear diff problem. May as well stick with the QT. Same thing pretty much applies for manual to auto trans swaps or vice versa. Lot of hassle to swap out a TH400 for a four speed manual and still no overdrive. I would only consider a trans/t-case swap if it was for an overdrive trans. Anything less is just not worth the trouble. My .02.

[desert_freak]

:eek: YOOOOWWWWWZZZAAAA :eek: :D

Dave_S You just made my day!

P.J.

[River Beast]

Originally posted by Dave _S:
I guess I would vote for keeping the QT as well. Swapping to a Dana 20 is a lot of hassle. Have to remove trans, tear down and swap out output shaft, etc. Then you still have the offset rear diff problem. May as well stick with the QT. Same thing pretty much applies for manual to auto trans swaps or vice versa. Lot of hassle to swap out a TH400 for a four speed manual and still no overdrive. I would only consider a trans/t-case swap if it was for an overdrive trans. Anything less is just not worth the trouble. My .02.Offset rear diff problem easily corrected with rear CV shaft... I am running one. The QT/D20 swap is mainly personal preference on what will work best with your setup and what will you are willing to pay for the mods. If I wanted to keep the QT and do a P/T kit.. I would still have to worry about chain stretch with my 38's and 4.89's... and now with the D20 (full gear case... no stretching) and Twinstick shifter, I have full independant control of the both axles... I can run front wheel drive high and lo range with the rear axle disengaged. I love it! It does come in handy;)

[jode]

My .02

QT sucks, but whatchagunnadoo? It is too much of a PITA to switch and like was said, it prolly aint worth it...I do like a manual...I do hate a chain drive T-case....I do think I'm in love :eek: ...after all these years...still a friggin hottie!

BTW welcome to the forum...

[heydave]

I think it ultimately comes down to your preference. My truck is a Q-trac and I like it a great deal. I can put it in low range and still drive on pavement if necessary. On the other hand is my Cherokee XJ. It has a NP231 manual transfercase. This is my daily driver so two wheel drive is fine except when we get a foot of snow or I venture down a muddy road.
They both have pros and cons so get one of each. :D