AMC 304 SR4 to T176 swap

[Sieldan]

I'm in the process of doing this. Just wanted to add some data out there.

Since my funds are Limited , I'm doing this on a shoestring budget so I'm not doing things to the T.

Removal was straight forward. Unbolted the Dana 300 and drive shafts. Then the shifter. Then unbolted the Transmission . Then removed the clutch linkage and starter. Then the bell housing.

This is where I got lucky. My bell housing was already drilled and threaded to fit to the T-176 . Bolted it up after cleaning up and lubing the shifter fork.

Another bit if luck, my clutch plate mated to the Transmission input. I've now got the Transmission bolted up after fighting alignment issues. Lol. Clutch alignment tools are wonderful, if you have one.

TL;DR A SR4 to T-176 is, or can be, a straight bolt in swap.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Hedgehog]

Did you replace your old pilot bearing/bushing? Are you sure they are the same size? It is likely that your drive shafts will need to be altered. Easy enough for a drive shaft shop to do.

 

[Sieldan]

Yeah, I'm prepared for drive shaft changes. And no, did not change the pilot/throwout bearing. Once I cleaned the old grease and gunk off the bushing, it fit with no problems or slack. I do plan on a new clutch and all supporting parts as soon as possible. This is a throw together to get the jeep moving and lessen the spousal irk at 'wasted' money on a non drivable Jeep. Lol.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Hedgehog]

The pilot bushing and throw out bearing are not the same thing ..... The pilot bearing or bushing is inside the flywheel/crank shaft. I actually figure you already know this, just making sure.

 

[Sieldan]

Duh... Yeah I knew that. Replying on the road between runs. (I'm on duty as a Paramedic). I figured that if the throw out bearing fit that the pilot bushing would as well.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Hedgehog]

NOT! You need to check this out. If not the end of your main shaft could be unsupported. Not good.

 

[Sieldan]

Well . Guess the tranny is gonna have to come back out.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Torxhead]

Well . Guess the tranny is gonna have to come back out.

Sent from my mobile.

You are well on your way to a successful CJ tranny swap, it just takes a little trial and error plus research.

 

[Sieldan]

Am I correct in assuming that if the input shafts match dimensions, then the pilot bearing will be OK?

And thanks Torx. It's been a fun project so far.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Hedgehog]

Sounds logical to me. Two dimensions to consider. The diameter of the pilot portion of the main shaft and the total length of the entire shaft that goes into the bell housing, inside the housing to the tip. Yes, there are over size or long versions of some jeep pilot bushings.

 

[Sieldan]

Gotcha. Maybe this time around I'll get some pics as I do the work. Lol.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Sieldan]

Well, I pulled the 176 and measured everything. Luckily it all matched up. At least within 0.05" ish. Tho, the total length of the input shaft on the 176 is 0.1" shorter. I'm gonna run it. Lol.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Sieldan]

Here are my notes from measuring everything.

Sent from my mobile.

 

[Hedgehog]

Whow, a lot of work. Sorry if it seemed like a waste of time and effort, but absolutely knowing is best. SR4 = 4.778", T-176 = 4.85 with the shaft diameters being very close. Seems good enough to me. I assume the others agree.

Well done sir.