Tranny swap?

[Dave in NH]

Is it possible to attach a T18 Transmission to a NP229 transfer case? I want to convert my 87 GW to manual transmission. I have a T18/D20 set up in my CJ-5 and am trying to decide on the easiest route. Keeping the T18/D20 and changing front axle to passenger side differential, or swapping transfer cases to a drivers side output. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dave

[Lindel]

I believe the T-18 was used in the J-20's with the NP208, and if that's the case, then yes, the NP229 will work with a T-18.

However, the viscous coupling might not survive the beating a standard will give it. I'm not a tranny/t-case expert, but that's what I think.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

You will need the correct adapter as the D20 is a different bolt patern, it will not bolt up to the NP229. I also do not think a NP229 will live long behind a T18. A 208 will.

[FSJeeper]

An 80 or later J-20 T-18 setup has the NP208/NP228 adapter pattern and drivers side diff. They are rare. The 228 would work, but for serious off road use would not last. Best bet would be to go to a Ford NP205 and swap tcase input shafts, or settle for the NP208 which is not bad.

[Andrew]

The latest issue of JP had an article about flipping a D300 for a driver drop. This might work for you too.

[Dave in NH]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone! I'm going to start looking for available parts this week. I had a feeling that the 229 would be a week link.

[Panther]

The J20 T18/208 set up won't work with the NP229 because the J20 T18 to NP208 shaft (like the Ford version) is 31 spline and the NP229 is 23 spline. I haven't heard of a manual trans in front of a full time tcase, not sure how that would work?

Also, it's easiest to use the FSJ V8 version of the T18 behind your 360. This will position the shifters and crossmember properly. If you have AC, the CJ (and 6cyl) version will interfere with the vents. For moredetails see
http://www.ifsja.org/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=012439

Also I have a write up on my website with more info.
Lee

[Dave in NH]

Thanks Lee,
Good info on you website. I'm glad others have done this before, sure helps me alot!
I never heard of a manual trans in front of a FT T/C either, but thought it was worth the question.
Thanks again

Dave

[Panther]

Hi Dave,
The moral of the story is get a V8 version T18 with a dana 20 and swap to pass side front ends. If you get anything from my write up it's that it's a huge pain to swap and just doesn't fit with the stock gas tank. Other issues with auto to manual are pedal assembly, clutch linkage and driveshafts...
Lee

[FSJeeper]

Or you could use a NP205 Ford version drivers side Tcase.