Swapping t150/Dana 20 to t176/Dana 300

[Blazerstud]

This is the first time posting here. I'm needing to know if I swap my T-150 /Dana 20 with a T-176 /Dana 300 will need any mods? Drive shafts, cross members? Any help would be Appreciated!!

 

[BusaDave9]

That will work you need the bellhousing from the T-176 too.
You have an '82. It never came with that drivetrain. Someone took the engine and drivetrain from a CJ prior to '79 and put it into your jeep.
You will also have to modify the drive shaft lengths. The skid plate/cross member will be moved back to it's original position. The PO may have drilled it to to make the T-150 mount to it. You will use different mounting holes.

It won't be too bad for a swap. Going back to the way it was, and the way it should have stayed.

 

[NorthwestCJer]

Adapting Ford Transmissions to AMC Engines - Novak Conversions

The T-150 and T-176 /T177 share the same bell housing bolt pattern. You can use the bell housing you have.
I would check out the drive lines before putting money down. In most cases like this, I have experienced people have swapped the Transmission and transfer because they blew one up and it was an easy cheep swap to fix the issue. Most people will make the drive lines work if they will fit.
You will like the T-176 /Dana 300 better than that 3 speed/Dana 20 setup.

Good Luck

 

[Blazerstud]

Thanks guys!! Big help! Glad I joined up.

 

[BusaDave9]

Oh, yes, the same bellhousing! Thanks NorthwestCJer!

I would check out the drive lines before putting money down.

Do the swap. THEN check for the proper lengths of the driveshafts.

Check out this link to find out the correct length drive shaft: Tom Wood's Custom Drive Shafts - Tail Shaft Conversion Kits
Check to see if your driveshafts will work ( I doubt it). Driveshafts don't work good as bumpstops or limiting straps.
If the driveshafts need modified you can have that done locally but first get a quote. I got ripped off on this issue. If you need new driveshafts call up Tom Wood's. Unless your driveshafts are damaged you should be able to get by with only having the lengths modified.

You will like the T-176 /Dana 300 better than that 3 speed/Dana 20 setup.

I agree. More gears and a lower 4WD low.

 

[Blazerstud]

Am I right that the 3rd gear in the T-150 is 1-1 and the 4th gear in the T-176 is also 1-1?
Also I contacted the PO. He said those are the original drive shafts that came with the T-176 and Dana 300 combo. Doing the switch this weekend so we will see!

 

[Petescj]

Yes both transmissions final gear is 1 to 1. The T-176 / Dana 300 combo is a good set up. Ive had several and nothing but good things to say. The T-176 can hold up to a mild 8 cylinder and has a lower 1st gear. The Dana 300 also has lower gearing in it and is tough as nails with a ton of aftermarket support. That swap the p.o. did shouldve never happened. Id like to see a picture of your skid plate though. I believe they were different due to the size differences.

 

[Blazerstud]

Well the front driveshaft works great!! But the rear is about 3" to long. Plus the skid/cross member will work fine.

 

[Petescj]

Get a measurement. I may have one in the garage.

 

[Blazerstud]

14 1/2" yoke to yoke

 

[Petescj]

14 1/2" yoke to yoke

You sure on that? That seems awfully short. If so I dont have any that length. Smallest one I have is 20 in collapsed.

 

[JR74CJ5]

You sure on that? That seems awfully short. If so I dont have any that length. Smallest one I have is 20 in collapsed.

Thats because you're a CJ7 guy!

 

[Petescj]

14 1/2" yoke to yoke

Sorry I questioned your measurment. Ive been going over this for a bit. I looked through the driveshats available from Quadratec. I couldnt come up with the exact combo you have though. The T-4 / T-5 rear driveshaft come in at a mere 13 in. The T-176 is a measured at about 2 inches shorter.

Thats because you're a CJ7 guy!

My first Cj was a 78 CJ5 .

 

[Blazerstud]

I double and triple checked. It is 14 1/2" yoke to yoke. But thank to you for trying to help.

 

[Blazerstud]

I found the guy just west of Columbus Ohio. Sweet little honey hole for any CJ five or CJ seven parts he has it all!!!

 

[Blazerstud]

Ok for anyone that does this in the future. How I measured my drive shaft that I installed is when totally collasape, measure for end of yoke to end of yoke. Rear will need to be 15 1/2" and front will need to be 31 1/2". Clutch and pressure plate are the same, skid plate/ cross member will work just fine. When bolting trany mount onto the t 176 you'll need to use the last two holes. Everything else is the same. Hopes this helps anyone putting a T-176 Dana 300 combo in a CJ5 .

 

[Outofsight]

Did you notice the shift lever on the T-176 goes into the dash? Thinking about heating and bending it so its further towards the rear or back. What's the best way to go about this?
Thanks

 

[mtnwhlr]

Mine wasn't that way is the shifter in backwards?

 

[Outofsight]

No to be honest I dont think you could install it back wards...plus it shifts fine so far. The us a bent in the shaft about 2 inches from the base and I was thinking the T-176 were straight from the factory.

 

[mtnwhlr]

It just looks like it should go the other way to me.