Choosing the right transmission for the 304

[thistle3585]

I just picked up a new, used AMC 304 . It came with a T-18 Transmission , an extra bellhousing and I am guessing a Dana 300 Transfer Case . I plan on using this Jeep as a daily driver, so I'm wondering if the T-18 is appropriate for that purpose. My research indicates they are geared lower and are ideal for rock crawling but not daily driving.

It also has a two barrel carb. What are the benefits over the 2 and 4 barrels?

 

[Torxhead]

I have the T-18 , and like you said, it is great in the dirt. With my 4:10 rear gears, it allows me to drive it on the street as a 3 speed not requiring using the first gear. On the highway it suffers as the engine rpms are a bit too high for me on the long runs. I have heard that a higher rear gear ratio does require the use of first gear starting out, making it tough without synchromesh in the first gear. I think you should go with the two barrel carb, its only a Jeep.

 

[csuengr]

Need to figure out which version of the T-18 you have. Wide ratio or close ratio.

The Borg-Warner T18 & T19 Transmissions - Novak Conversions

It still has a 1:1 fourth gear like a T-176 or third on any of the three speeds. If it is a wide ratio, then you drive it like a three speed on the street, starting in second gear. If it's a close ratio, then you start out in first.http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2319871/?ref_=tt_cl_t5

 

[DHugg]

I just picked up a new, used AMC 304 . It came with a T-18 Transmission , an extra bellhousing and I am guessing a Dana 300 Transfer Case . I plan on using this Jeep as a daily driver, so I'm wondering if the T-18 is appropriate for that purpose. My research indicates they are geared lower and are ideal for rock crawling but not daily driving.

It also has a two barrel carb. What are the benefits over the 2 and 4 barrels?

When I bought the 1980 CJ7 with a AMC 304 , a TF999 was already installed. I run trails (all sand or clay; no rocks here) and don't do mud. I like clutch-driven machines but don't like to change pressure plates. I am completely happy driving the auto. My 2 cents.

 

[thistle3585]

Thanks guys. I am going to stick with my existing setup and sell the T-18 and Dana 300 to help fund the rebuild on my T-150 . Does anyone know what these would be valued at?

I'm also trying to decide on how to "setup" the engine. This came out of a '72 and mine is a '79. There is a lot of stuff different on this than on my '79 such as the vacuum lines, oil sensor, emissions plus a couple other things.

I spent a little time on it yesterday pulling some of the components that I am going to replace and simply doing an overall cleaning. I thought about blasting all the dirt and grime off with a soda blaster. Anyone have any experience with doing that?

 

[JR74CJ5]

I know you've made your decision, but here's my 2c.

The T-18 is dang-near bullet proof. Behind the V8 on the street it will serve you well for many years. The T-18 and T-150 both have 1:1 final gear, meaning no real difference in street ability as far as final speed / rpm.

The T-150 is not a "weak" Transmission though, and has done fine behind v8's. It still does not compare with the reliability and stoutness of the T--18, but perhaps it shifts better / easier? Someone who has used both should comment there.

If you were going to sell the T-18 , personally I'd only consider a over-drive Transmission or even and automatic as a "upgrade" for street. The only stock "Overdrive " manual transmissions (T-5 ) for the CJ's were a little weak though... So some creativity would be needed here.

The T-18 's "value" depends on the T-18 . Wide Ratio CJ T-18 's are like gold around me... Most who want a T-18 need to adapt a ford one around here due to the scarceness of Jeep CJ T-18 .

If it's close ratio, it's a lot less sought after.

Novak sells a brand new Ford T-18 adapted for CJ use for around $2000.00 + shipping.


~ Jr

 

[tarry99]

I just picked up a new, used AMC 304 . It came with a T-18 Transmission , an extra bellhousing and I am guessing a Dana 300 Transfer Case . I plan on using this Jeep as a daily driver, so I'm wondering if the T-18 is appropriate for that purpose. My research indicates they are geared lower and are ideal for rock crawling but not daily driving.

It also has a two barrel carb. What are the benefits over the 2 and 4 barrels?

Thistle..........before you make your mind up , you need to look at all the components you currently have and what gear ratio's each component has. Then make an informed decision.
If you have a stock rear end gear ratio in your Jeep now like a 3.54.1 and all the transmissions are 1.1 in high gear you have all the freeway gear you need and may very well like having a low (granny gear) in first just in case your tugging on something or want to get off road a little as which would be helpful with the T-18 ..........plenty of options there.

 

[thistle3585]

Thistle..........before you make your mind up , you need to look at all the components you currently have and what gear ratio's each component has. Then make an informed decision.
If you have a stock rear end gear ratio in your Jeep now like a 3.54.1 and all the transmissions are 1.1 in high gear you have all the freeway gear you need and may very well like having a low (granny gear) in first just in case your tugging on something or want to get off road a little as which would be helpful with the T-18 ..........plenty of options there.

Actually, I have an unknown locker in the rear end but I do have the stock gear up front. I want to replace the locker and go back to the original 3.54 gear setup. The locker is a pain around town. This is just a toy to run around town in and I doubt it will ever go above 40 mph.

 

[csuengr]

You should post a picture of the Transmission and Transfer Case . The Dana 300 never came behind a T-18 from the factory. Dana 20 's did though.

 

[thistle3585]

You should post a picture of the Transmission and Transfer Case . The Dana 300 never came behind a T-18 from the factory. Dana 20 's did though.

You are correct. It is the Dana 20 . Not sure where I came up with the 300. It may have been what the seller was going to.