Automatic to manual tranny swap

[millertime]

I have a 76 j20 with a 3 speed manual transmission. I would really like to to have a 4 speed manual transmission but i have no idea where to start. Can you guys reccomend some good 4 speed trannies that will fit my jeep. I have a 401 v8 and lots of time on my hands. can I also get an idea of how big of a project this wqould be to take on and if its worth it. thanks

[Crazy_Jeepman]

You would be looking for a T18 Jeep trans from behind a V8.

[Chero77]

This is a pretty easy swap since you are already setup for a manual. Jeep used the T18. The FSJ used the T18A which had a long input shaft and used a spacer between the trans and bellhousing to position the shifter in the correct location in the cab. The FSJ T18A had a 6.3:1 first gear. The bad news is that the 6.3:1 T18As are highly desired by the off-roading crowd and therefore sell for quite a bit, like $350 or more (at least on EBAY). However, if you are primarly going to drive on the street, CJ T18 (just T18, not T18A) used a 4:1 first gear and these T18s sell for much less, like about $175. You can convert a CJ t18 for use in an FSJ by swapping in the long input shaft and spacer from a T18A. For street use this is really the better trans because you get four useable gears. The 6.3:1 first is to low for anything but rockcrawling (IMO). One drawback to both T18s and T18As is that they have a non-synchro first gear. So if you can find a T19 (used by IH and Ford) which is essentially a T18 with a synchro first, that would probably be the optimum trans for street use. An older trans, the T98 (predecessor to the T18) can occasionally be found but is non-synchro in all gears, so its best avoided.

[millertime]

thanks for the help, im just starting my build up so ill probably be asking many more questions to perfect my jeep

[Mikel2]

I thought the T98 only had one non-syncro first (and reverse, of course)...
I've never driven mine beyond first gear (see sig), but I would be surprised if all the gears were not syncronized.

[jode]

What kind of considerations are req'd for getting all the linkeages set up....is it easy? Specifically, the clutch linkages and getting the pedals all set up within the cab...

Oh yeah, and what T-cases fit with the T18A?

[ January 18, 2003, 03:24 PM: Message edited by: jode ]

[Mikel2]

You need to get all the linkages from the donor truck as well as the brackets. You will also need the correct brake pedal, and of course the clutch pedal. I did this in my 78 Cherokee and it was not difficult at all.

[Merc69]

OK keeping with the original thread listing. What is involved in swapping out the Automatic Tranny - TH 400 from a 1974 Chero to a standard. I have run across a 78 power wagon with a standard and the heavy transfer case (don't know the specifics yet) also the front and rear axle assemblies. I understand the axles are almost a drop in and then some fabrication for the steering. The 360 is sound and don't want to mess with a Dodge powerplant.

[Chero77]

You really need an FSJ originally equipped with a manual as a parts truck. Then you can just swap all the parts over and everything should bolt up. Otherwise, you have to find the pedals, linkage, various brackets, etc. Without a parts truck, I think it would be a real hassle.

[millertime]

What trucks should i look for if i wanted to put a T18 or a t18A in?

[Mikel2]

Any FSJ with a 4 speed will do the trick. For brackets, pedals, etc... I'm sure any FSJ with a 3 speed will work for you.