Build Thread Operation Money Pit

[HackFabrication]

I'm not really sure where the noise complaint comes from.

My T-18 doesn't make a lot of noise. Perhaps my 2.5" exhaust going into a single 3" turbo muffler suppresses it... Hearing those gears work, is all part of the Jeep 'experience'. Having driven a SM 420, several 10 speeds, 13 speeds, and a few 4/5 speeds with and without overdrives, they all have their unique character.

But I'm old and losing my hearing anyway....

 

[Hedgehog]

How are you planning on installing the Transmission ? I suggest doing it in all one part, Bell housing, Transmission and Transfer Case all in one. Surely a big load, but easier in the long run. Make the Transfer Case and Transmission are gear. This makes it easier to wiggle the main shaft while you are attempting to stick the clutch plate splines and pilot bearing.

 

[defibvt]

I am planning to do the tranny and bell housing together. The installing the Dana 300 . Buddy of mine ha a tranny jack adapter for 3 ton jack so this should help make it easier. He,is also helping and smarter than me.

 

[defibvt]

I will take pics of the fun.

 

[Hedgehog]

Consider this. A Transfer Case is an acquired, side weighted heavy SOB. And you are trying to install a gasket. With all that weight it is very easy to destroy the gasket. With the tranny jack doing the work it's not that much more to install the whole thing at once. When I was installing my Transmission the advice I got was to do it all at once. I did it alone with just a floor jack and it actually was fairly easy to do. Well, easier than I thought it would be. The T-18 is heavier than the T-15 I did, but when working with this sort of weight it's about the same.

 

[Woolyworm]

I agree with HH. I've done it both ways with and without a jack. I ran a 2x4 from the windshield to the roll bar and a come along from that down through the floor. With the transfer attached to the tranny you can set them on the Jack and strap it down which holds the funny angle the transfer needs to be at. It's tougher apart because the transfer always wants to roll around on you. Good luck either way.


Wooly

 

[defibvt]

Well then I have been schooled. I will do it the way thst is suggested. Now a question, how flat can I clock the Dana 300 ?

 

[defibvt]

Sorry about the grammatical errors. I am at work doing this on my phone.

 

[Hedgehog]

I didn't mean to come off as being aggressive. Mostly I've been there, done that, made the mistakes and listened to what others both here on the board and in real life had to say about installing a complete Transmission .

I really don't know about clocking the Dana 300 . When I put a Ford T-18 /Dana 300 behind a 231 V6 in a '80 CJ5 way back in the 1980's clocking the Transfer Case was not an option.

 

[defibvt]

No worries. I can learn new things and i take advice well. My adapter from thr T-18 to the Dana 300 allows me to clock it.

 

[Posi]

Now a question, how flat can I clock the Dana 300 ?

Depends, no body lift, and without modifying the floor, about half way. A 1” body lift would get you very close to the tub, but should get you flat.

My neighbor says I will be happier with the T-176

He works at Chuck's Speed shop here in Phoenix and does most of their specialty stuff.

He says that it will be smoother. He states that the T-18 is clunky and noisy.

I'm surprised, I would have thought a speed guy dealing with cars would have said, “the T-176 has a shorter throw then a T-18 ”.

 

[Woolyworm]

I had a T-150 in mine prior to my T-18 . The AMC 150 is a threes speed that is very close in ration to the 18's 2,3,4 gears. The 18 is notchier to shift that the AMC 150 and 1st has no synchro. The 18 is still the best off road mod I've done and the deep 1st is awesome - night and day performance off road. 2-4 are very similar to the AMC 150 , it just shifts and sounds more like an old pickup truck. I love it.


Wooly

 

[defibvt]

Just so you know my neighbor is a jeep guy too. He owns an awesome Scrambler. Ls3, auto Transmission , locked front and rear. Going under the knife for a 4 lonk soon. He is a wealth of knowledge and expertise.

 

[Posi]

Just not with the T-18 .

 

[Hedgehog]

Sounds like he has a really nice fast car/jeep. I think Speed shop and off road would be two completely different animals. He seems to be all about smooth somewhat car like power and there is nothing wrong with that. Some Jeepers are more about old time truck like power delivery to the ground. They/we like the mechanical feel of their CJ's. It's fun for guys like us to stick it in first, find the gearing is to high, then grin grab the shifter, stick it in compound and say to ourselves, "Okay, now take some of this." Also, it's nice to know that you don't need to baby a Transmission like a T-18 . Take care of it and it will take care of you.

 

[defibvt]

I agree with you. I am nurse during the week so I manly pursuitson weekend. Fortunately, my wife supports my bad habit.

 

[Hedgehog]

How odd, I cringed at using the word "manly". Not long ago there was no shame in perusing the manly interests in life. All the pressure against men being men must be having some effect on me that I really didn't realize. Sometimes I truly miss the good old days when ..... ah never mind we are where we are.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Pull'n the tranny and t'case out of a CJ as 1 unit is common. I've done it many times.
However-I reinstall the b'housing. Then the tranny(final 1" of alignment can be a PITA). Then the t'case goes on. Much easier to see what's what, with the t'case off.
BTW: While you have it all out-Replace ALL the external seals on the tranny and t'case.
LG

 

[defibvt]

Tranny was rebuilt by Sun Transmissions in Phoenix, Az. The used a Novak rebuild kit. They do all the race transmissions for a local Ultra 4 team.

The "manly" was to make fun of nursing profession. Been a nurse for 20 years so I can make fun of it. My best relaxation times are when I get to work on something in my garage with just me and my thoughts. To me it clears the mind and metal doesn't bitch and moan about their pain meds.

 

[Hedgehog]

I understand your point. I was commenting more on the fact that I even thought twice about the term. The PC movement recognizing everything feminine and vilifying everything manly even influenced my way of thinking. Nursing is a wonderful profession and I honor you for going into it. It's got to be a hard life constantly seeing folks in the worst parts of their lives. Thank you!