5 speed upgrade? drivetrane options?

[shortbus]

I have a 1980 CJ7 with a 4 speed, is there any way to upgrade to a newer 5speed? what i mean is how many different bellhousing setups did amc use?
also could i possibly use a gm tranny. ect ect? I would like to end up dropping in all gm drivetrane. but thats not for a while. or maby amc stuff, i know gm mostly so thats why a sway twards it. any suggestions welcome. Thanks.
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[CJim7]

The NV4500 is probably the best 5spd out there. Bullet proof and a very low 1st gear.
It's used in a lot of GM stuff so Chevy compatibility down the road is no problem.
It is easily swapped into jeeps with some help from Advance Adapters

 

[BusaDave9]

The only 5 speed that was ever used in a CJ was the T-5 . It would very easily swap in place of your 4 speed. Plus it is the only 5 speed that could be installed without modifying the drive shaft lengths. But I would strongly recommend against this swap. The T-5 was a weak Transmission . http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f105/manual-cj-transmissions-12112/index2.html#post97829
Once again my best advice is to follow Jim's advice. An NV4500 is an excellent 5 speed Transmission . It has both granny low and an Overdrive and it is extremely strong. Check out these links for more info:
The NV4500 Transmission - Novak Conversions

Adapting the GM NV4500 Transmission to the Jeep Dana 300

NV4500 Transmissions - Adapters - NV4500 Conversion Kits | NV4500.COM

To install a NV4500 you will need to shorten the rear drive shaft and lengthen the front.

 

[Kane]

the nv4500 is very large complex and expensive. If you are running a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l then the ax15 would be a good choice as well. It can handle a good amount of power, you don't need a body lift to clear the shkfter housing and they are cheaper to purchase. Plus a whole ton of jeep wranglers and cherokees came with them so finding one is easy.

 

[BajaEdition]

Although I think the NV4500 is a great tranny, it is a big tranny
the best tranny Jeep ever used was the AX15, and these can be found used for a few grand cheaper than a NV4500, I paid 400 for my AX15.
the AX15 was used in the YJ and TJ till they swapped out to the NV3500. the AX15 is considered stronger than the NV3500.
if you use a AX15 try try for the external slave cylinder unit, although these cost more.
A great place to research what it will take to plop it in the Jeep is NOVAK ADAPTERS. they have a great interactive area you can check out adapters and stuff.

 

[BusaDave9]

ThisGuyUknow has swapped an AX15 into a CJ.
Check out this link: http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f2/doing-ax15-yj-booster-swap-4415/

 

[CJim7]

The reason I suggested the NV4500 is the OP's desire to eventually swap in a Chevy drivetrain.

He wont like the AX15 with a SBC in there.....I promise.

 

[mtruckstuff]

The reason I suggested the NV4500 is the OP's desire to eventually swap in a Chevy drivetrain.

He wont like the AX15 with a SBC in there.....I promise.

I'm guessing he's still in the dream stage. The complete SBC rig is probably not anywhere near reality. I'd also be guessing that he's looking for an economical OD highway gear, but if he has low numerical axle ratios, it's possible he might not have the available torque to pull an OD.

The NV4500 is a bit of overkill behind a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l . (and REALLY expensive when you consider the adapters) If he's off roading, he might want an SM465. Better ratios (no OD, if that's his desire) and bolts right up to Chevy driveline.

Not stepping on you, but we really need more info from the OP in order to give him solid advice.

 

[shortbus]

hello thanks for all of the options posted, I will most likely stay with the stock setup for now. Once work picks up however i will be starting the sbc swap.
i have a set of grand waggi Dana 44 's with lockers waiting behind the shed.
as well as a vortech 5.7 but i may downgrade to a tbi 305 because i think a 350 might be overkill on the power aspect. or if i get realy crazy my buddy has a vortech 454 up for grabs. The Transmission is the one thing i havent thought of yet. Thanks.

 

[shortbus]

If i were to put in a 5 speed with the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , it would be somthing i could sell afterwards. trannys engines and diffs are verry easy to get and are not to pricey. i have a good thing going at the bone yard.

 

[GatorBate]

Has anyone tried to put the NV4500 in the shorter CJ5 ?

 

[CJim7]

.... i think a 350 might be overkill on the power aspect....

You hush your mouth

Has anyone tried to put the NV4500 in the shorter CJ5 ?

It's too long unless you relocate the rear axle quite a ways.