Has anyone created a write-up for Transmission Swap?

[Tripod]

New to CJ's, and new to the forum, be easy on me! I've searched online and found numerous discussions on a tranny swap, but haven't seen anyone take the time and create a parts list, or do the swap and take pics.

I have an SR4 Transmission , AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l i6, Dana 300 TC. Transmission not acting as I think it should, kicks out of gear in third on deceleration, and it looks as if the base of the gearshift, in the Transfer Case , has been "modified" with JB weld or something, to hold the spring etc in one spot.
I have read where on the SR4 , you are supposed to push down on the gearshift, up and to the left to put in reverse. Mine, just have to push up and left. Think there is something wrong on my gearshift.

Anyways, I am thinking of swapping the Transmission .
I hear the T-4 -T-5 is a direct swap, but tranny is almost as bad as SR4 . I am not going to do anything crazy offroad, mostly pavement, some dirt roads etc. Not needing a bullet proof Transmission .

But, if there are other swaps out there that are better than the T-4 -T-5 , I am willing to try it. I am somewhat mechanically inclined, and not afraid to give it a shot.

I've seen some websites say "buy this, buy that" another says "buy this, tap that" I don't know where to start with what I need, or what I need to do, a lot of different opinions etc. If anyone has a decent write up, parts list etc, I would appreciate it if you can point me in the right direction.

Also, I can't find a Transmission vendor online, for jeep CJ7 trannies. Anyone know where I can get one? (currently looking on ebay and craigslist) Thanks in advance.

 

[IOPort51]

what were the factory options that year and model?? I would think a T-176 would bolt in and is a pretty good gear box.

 

[Neuner]

I second IO. I found a T177 listed as a T-176 after I decided to ditch my T-5 with bad synchros. Could not be happier.

When I did mine I was clueless. I searched everywhere reading all that I could. I took notes, copied photos and put them in order of steps to follow to make sure I didn't forget anything. Went relatively smooth. The only thing that took a little longer to figure out than expected was the driveshaft shortening and lengthening.

 

[Torxhead]

Advance Adapters has some good swap info. Like when it comes to pilot bushing sizes, input shaft spline counts, bolt hole patterns, and fitting the Transfer Case up.

 

[HackFabrication]

IIRC, the T-5 would be a direct 'bolt in' for the T-4 . The T-5 (and T-4 ) gets a bad rap on the 'net. Most often, they fail due to exceeding the limitations of the design, poor maintenance, and driver input. On the other side, there are MANY CJ owners with MANY miles on their T-4 /T-5 transmissions. Including those running 33-35 inch tires (properly geared) with healthy I6 engines.

If you don't want/desire the Overdrive gear, then the T-176 /177 would be an excellent choice. IIRC, the OEM bellhousing should be drilled for both the T-4 /T-5 and T-176 . Someone will have to verify/correct me on this and what driveshaft mods are necessary.

 

[Trip0d]

Sorry for the Duplicate ID's, Tripod's pw wasn't working, reset feature isn't generating an email, and email admin for help is disabled by admin, got tired of the run around, and created new ID.

I believe it is stock, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , Dana 300 , SR4 Transmission . If the T-4 -T-5 is a more "get it done now" option, I may do that, until I get more familiar with the vehicle.

I just don't want to get in over my head with having to add shims, tap new holes, buy a hodge podge of parts to make it work, since I am basically clueless to a Transmission upgrade.
Btw, thanks for responding guys.

 

[Hedgehog]

One thing to be aware of ... even a stock CJ is a hodge podge of parts from various manufacturers ... Ford .... GM .... and others. Do yourself a favor and trust what Advanced Adaptors and NOVAK have to say, they have been making a living adapting various parts and pieces into jeeps for a very very long time.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

I've been run'n a T-5 for over 30 years. If you not run'n 35''+ tires with a 2:73 or 3:31 R&P, you should do fine.
BTW: Do NOT use ATF in Jeep T-5 's.
LG

 

[Neuner]

I've been run'n a T-5 for over 30 years.

You said that last year. Isn't it 31 years by now?

 

[gp4play]

IIRC, the T-5 would be a direct 'bolt in' for the T-4 . The T-5 (and T-4 ) gets a bad rap on the 'net. Most often, they fail due to exceeding the limitations of the design, poor maintenance, and driver input. On the other side, there are MANY CJ owners with MANY miles on their T-4 /T-5 transmissions. Including those running 33-35 inch tires (properly geared) with healthy I6 engines.

If you don't want/desire the Overdrive gear, then the T-176 /177 would be an excellent choice. IIRC, the OEM bellhousing should be drilled for both the T-4 /T-5 and T-176 . Someone will have to verify/correct me on this and what driveshaft mods are necessary.

I've been running my T-5 for about 6 yr's and now with 35's and 4:56 gears for the last 3. I'm still waiting for it to break so I can tell the wife I need to upgrade to a 18. Damn things still crawling over the rocks though, no problem. :driving: