'86 engine swap

[nivensid]

First post, hello everyone. I have a 86 CJ7 with AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , T-5 , Dana 300 . The engine is tired, just so happens i also have 72 CJ5 with a good 304V8. Will everything off the CJ5 bolt in the CJ7 and use the current T-5 and Dana 300 Transfer Case . I know the T-5 is not ideal for the V8 but will it bolt up? The CJ5 is rusting away but engine is good so would like to swap. Thanks

 

[gert]

First post, hello everyone. I have a 86 CJ7 with AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , T-5 , Dana 300 . The engine is tired, just so happens i also have 72 CJ5 with a good 304V8. Will everything off the CJ5 bolt in the CJ7 and use the current T-5 and Dana 300 Transfer Case . I know the T-5 is not ideal for the V8 but will it bolt up? The CJ5 is rusting away but engine is good so would like to swap. Thanks

you will need a AMC 304 flywheel as the motor is balanced differently you will need to check your ignition system to see if you have the same type and move the wires accordingly swap over the motor mounts frame mounts radiator move your alternator wiring over to fit the V8 you will need the accelertor cable from the V8 as well the Transmission will bolt right up and the clutch will to you might have to buy new power steering hoses tho that will make for a very fun CJ pretty easy swap if you run into any problems ask us we wcan get you through it no problem

 

[Posi]

Just to add, you will only need swap over the passenger side frame motor mount. If you currently have a 2 row radiator you should increase the cooling capacity for the V8 by installing a 3 row. The 3 row came stock with the V8's.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

:ww:

Can it be done? Sure one of the easiest engine switches to do.
New engine mounts needed. May need larger radiator. New alternator and PS pump.
No on the flywheel deal.
Your AMC 304 with destroy that T-5 tranny PDQ.
LG

 

[nivensid]

Thanks everyone, the 72 CJ5 is a complete running jeep so i should be able to use throttle cable, alternator, radiator etc? I will have to get bracket for power steering since the donor has manual. Since the 72 donor with AMC 304 is complete i will just need motor mounts also?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Can you post any pictures of the 2 Jeeps? So we can see what you're looking at.
Pics of the engines would be best.
Do you have any issues with SMOG tests or such?
LG

 

[Posi]

Thanks everyone, the 72 CJ5 is a complete running jeep so i should be able to use throttle cable, alternator, radiator etc? I will have to get bracket for power steering since the donor has manual. Since the 72 donor with AMC 304 is complete i will just need motor mounts also?

you will only need swap over the passenger side frame motor mount.

Yes on the throttle cable, radiator, and find a PS bracket.

 

[nivensid]

:ww:

Can it be done? Sure one of the easiest engine switches to do.
New engine mounts needed. May need larger radiator. New alternator and PS pump.
No on the flywheel deal.
Your AMC 304 with destroy that T-5 tranny PDQ.
LG

I have read the T-5 is not ideal for a V8 swap and i don't question that as there are members on the forum more qualified than i will ever be. I have to ask if why, looking at the specs the 304V8 has AMC 150 hp @ 4200 rpm vs the AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l at 110hp @3500 rpm. Torque 245 @2500 rpm vs 195 @ 2000 rpm. Not much of a difference there or am i way off base here?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That almost 30% increase in torque and the thinner alum casing makes it unsuitable for any '8'.
I have a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l /6 in my Jeep and keep a spare T-5 on my self.
LG

 

[WHATROAD]

What Transmission is in the CJ5

 

[nivensid]

What Transmission is in the CJ5

T-15 3 seed wish it was compatable with Dana 300 Transfer Case .

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Upgrade to a T-18 is common from the T-15 .
https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/transmission/transmission-packages/t18-package/

LG

 

[nivensid]

Pics of T-18

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Sit'n outside like that, is a concern.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

A jeep T-18 to Dana 300 Transfer Case is more expensive than it is to use a Ford T-18 . Why do I know this. When working on my jeep T-18a I considered going to a Dana 300 Transfer Case . Talk with Rob at Willys Works showed that it wasn't a real alternative.

Ford T-18 's are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. The adaptors are fairly expensive. If you see one you will know why, the castings and a replacement main shaft are expensive items.

A T-18 sitting unprotected allows water to run down the shift lever into the Transmission body. This is the reason it is advisable to keep your shift lever boot in good condition. Even with your Transmission in your CJ and even if you don't run in deep water an open top CJ with a compromised shift boot can accumulate enough water to bring on serious rust issues.

 

[Posi]

Pics of T-18

76-78 CJ T-18 going by the casting #'s
There looks to be a tarp in the background, hopefully it was used to covering it up.

A jeep T-18 to Dana 300 Transfer Case is more expensive than it is to use a Ford T-18 . Why do I know this. When working on my jeep T-18a I considered going to a Dana 300 Transfer Case . Talk with Rob at Willys Works showed that it wasn't a real alternative.

Could you explain how swapping a Dana 300 on a Jeep T-18 is more expensive then swapping a Dana 300 on a Ford T-18 ? Both T18s being in good condition, how is it not a real alternative? Unless I'm not understanding your post, it's about a $20 adapter difference between the 2.

If you keep the Dana 20 on the Jeep T-18 it cost you nothing, adapting a ford T-18 to Dana 20 is about $500

If you have a ford T-18 it will basically cost the same to adapt a Dana 20 or Dana 300 . Being the same price I would pick the 300 at 2.62 gear ratio over the 20 at 2.03. Adapting a Jeep T-18 to 300 would cost the same as well. The adapter price for all the above is in the $520-$540 range. Again, both ford and Jeep T-18s in good condition, on hand.

Side note: If someone has a ford T-18 I have a Jeep T-18 mainshaft if needed.

 

[nivensid]

76-78 CJ T-18 going by the casting #'s
There looks to be a tarp in the background, hopefully it was used to covering it up.



Could you explain how swapping a Dana 300 on a Jeep T-18 is more expensive then swapping a Dana 300 on a Ford T-18 ? Both T18s being in good condition, how is it not a real alternative? Unless I'm not understanding your post, it's about a $20 adapter difference between the 2.

If you keep the Dana 20 on the Jeep T-18 it cost you nothing, adapting a ford T-18 to Dana 20 is about $500

If you have a ford T-18 it will basically cost the same to adapt a Dana 20 or Dana 300 . Being the same price I would pick the 300 at 2.62 gear ratio over the 20 at 2.03. Adapting a Jeep T-18 to 300 would cost the same as well. The adapter price for all the above is in the $520-$540 range. Again, both ford and Jeep T-18s in good condition, on hand.

Side note: If someone has a ford T-18 I have a Jeep T-18 mainshaft if needed.

The seller stated he has it stored on the inside. I am going to go look at the T-18 with Dana 20 , bell housing, drive shafts and skid plate tomorrow.. Its from a 78 CJ, the seller went with automatic.
LumpyGrits has given me some pointers for me to check and suggest I ask here for some more input. What are some tell tell signs I should look for on the Transmission and Transfer Case . They are still bolted together as a unit.

Thanks

 

[Posi]

Turn the shaft in all gears, make sure it turns as it should.
Most likely easier turning the Transfer Case yoke with wrench.
Put the Transmission in neutral, and remove the cover to inspect the gears.
Shift the Transfer Case as well.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Take your own tools with you, and plan on get'n dirty.
Take your time on the check over. If the seller has any objections to this inspection-WALK AWAY.
Good luck.
LG

 

[Hedgehog]

The jeep T-18 is far more expensive than the Ford T-18 . I could be wrong though. When I was looking I already had the jeep T-18 and the Transfer Case . To go with a Dana 300 I would have had to buy the Transfer Case and the adaptor kit. So why spend the money on a jeep T-18 just to tear it apart when you'd do the same with a Ford T-18 ? I don't expect you to follow my logic on this one, but it makes sense to me.