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The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l for my '76 CJ5 is almost finished and I just a call from the Transmission guy saying that the original T-150 is grenaded. On top of that, they can't find any parts to rebuild it. He's saying that the only replacement T-150 he can find is in Arizona for $1200. Can this really be? Both axles have already been rebuilt also. Are there any other tranys that will work with the Transfer Case and axles? Or am I better off just trying to swallow that $1200 pill, for hopefully a lil less?
I just a call from the Transmission guy saying that the original T-150 is grenaded. On top of that, they can't find any parts to rebuild it. He's saying that the only replacement T-150 he can find is in Arizona for $1200. Can this really be?
'85 CJ-7, 258/4.2L 6cyl. Bought new in 1985. Full cage, Warn 8274 winch, Ford 9" rear, front/rear Detroit Lockers w/4:88 R&P. T-5 tranny and 4:1 t'case. 33X12.50-15 BFG/AT, MSD ign, on board air---
Your Transmission guy is looking for the short easy money. Parts for the AMC 150 are definitely available, used transmissions are also available. Shipping might kill the deal though. So, tell us, what grenade in the AMC 150 ?
I live in nw Indiana and there are a couple clubs in the area, I did put the feelers out there too, not a lot of help there. I'm not sure what took out the T-150 , this was my dad's jeep, and when he passed away he left to me. Since it was a such an iconic part of him and my childhood I'm trying to at least get it back on the road. He did a mild rebuild on it about 10 years ago, really he just swapped the tub to a fiberglass one he came across, made it a little pretty and rocked everything else as is. The Transmission always the issue of popping out of reverse and and if you got it into 1st you had a hell of time getting it out. I spent all last summer swapping out the frame, TDK, and suspension. The motor, AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l , was still running but when I replaced the rear main, I saw the crank bearings were straight copper. So it went to a buddy engine rebuilder that was supposed to have it done in a month, now 8 months later it's almost finished. I put the Transmission in a shop about a month ago figuring it needed new forks or something, then find out it's not rebuildable. So it has been an uphill battle for sure, but it's getting there.
Also, on another note. The awesome parts place you guys spoke of, Rudy's. He really only deals in wide track CJ's, he said 83 and up. He did not have a good Transmission . But he did point me to a place in PA, Stork's, that apparently has a rebuilt one for 800 bones. So I'm on to sniff out that lead. thanks again guys.
T-150 's most certainly are rebuild able, that is not necessarily the case with an SR4 , another 4 speed that most definitely has the same troubles you describe. If you are willing to pay shipping, try Willys Works here in Tucson (520) 888-5082. Last I knew Rob had a T-150 and he most certainly can rebuild one if that is what you need.
Also, on another note. The awesome parts place you guys spoke of, Rudy's. He really only deals in wide track CJ's, he said 83 and up. He did not have a good Transmission . But he did point me to a place in PA, Stork's, that apparently has a rebuilt one for 800 bones. So I'm on to sniff out that lead. thanks again guys.
DO NOT spend $1200 on a T-150 ! You can rebuild the one you have or have it rebuilt. You should be able to find a T-150 from $100 to $250 depending on condition. I can't understand how a T-150 grenaded behind a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l inline six...... but there are parts out there.
A good safe source for me has been facebook marketplace. A little more risky is craigslist of course. Then there is ebay. Put an ISO (in search of) on facebook and craigslist and see what pops up. But you should be able to get parts for a T-150 .
You can swap to a better Transmission but the swap will cost you an adapter kit, which involves possibly tearing down that Transmission anyways to install the output shaft that is part of the kit. It may or may not lengthen or shorten the drivetrain overall and that requires your driveshafts to be cut or lengthened or have new shafts made. It also may involve modifying the crossmember to relocate the Transmission mount. But you would have a bulletproof Transmission as a result. Too bad as I sold a T-18 with the Dana 20Transfer Case still attached about 4 months ago. If my Transmission swap goes as planned this winter I will have a T-150 with Dana 20Transfer Case available over the winter. Both will need gone through and seals. I live in western Missouri. If you're still looking by then, let me know.
Thanks again everyone. I did call Stork's and they had a freshly rebuilt one, I just bit the bullet and bought it. I got the old one back from the mech and it was pretty bad. As the saying goes, Can't find it, Grind it!! It was BAD. But the word grenaded wasn't the right word. It was all just very worn out. Transfer Case is in great condition tho, I thought it was gonna at least need a rebuild since my dad never even had a front driveshaft in the damn thing. But it looks great! I'm still waiting on the engine, but now I see I have a ton of work to do on the fiberglass body. The wood under the seats is rotted gone. So I guess exploratory surgery it is!!! LOL.
Wrong! The T-150 wasn’t the best Transmission ever built but it wasn’t that bad either. I can’t imagine one self destructing to the point where it can’t be rebuilt... especially behind a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l !
As for no parts being available... how many sources do you want! Last time I bought a master kit for one I got it from Novack for about $125! They ALWAYS have parts in stock!
“Rob” in Tucson (520-888-5082) likely has one and I know for a fact Julie in Glendale (800-882-5337) has a freshly rebuilt one! I nearly tripped over it last time I was in the back.
#1 GET YOUR OLD Transmission BACK! The core is worth the price of a used one!
#2 GET A SECOND OPINION.
My gut feeling is this guy is trying to stick it to you. Make a surprise visit, ask to see what he is talking about... take pics! AND PICK UP YOUR Transmission ! If he bitches, tell him you need it for a core to get him a replacement to put in.
Rebuilding a manual 3 speed isn’t rocket science. The typical “shadetree mechanic” can easily do it even if he’s never seen the inside of a Transmission before! Novack provides excellent instructions with every kit... or just for the asking. Awesome company!
Rob & Julie won’t feed you a line of bs either. They are both as honest as the longest day is long! Anything they tell you about Jeeps or Jeep parts is 100% fact! Good people!
The AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l for my '76 CJ5 is almost finished and I just a call from the Transmission guy saying that the original T-150 is grenaded. On top of that, they can't find any parts to rebuild it. He's saying that the only replacement T-150 he can find is in Arizona for $1200. Can this really be? Both axles have already been rebuilt also. Are there any other tranys that will work with the Transfer Case and axles? Or am I better off just trying to swallow that $1200 pill, for hopefully a lil less?
I just had a thought... a fresh AMC 150 does indeed get into the $1,100-$1,200 price range with a $500 core. (I have no idea why!) but I’ve been quoted that myself... just before laughing and walking away.
Before you make any reflex moves, consider this.... for less you could put in a T-18 4 speed. The “granny” first gear can’t be beat for the trail.
So... if it’s going to cost you to get this thing going, consider having the best. I’ll bet you save $ doing it too.
So, I got the AMC 150 back from the shop. It's deff looks worn out and rebuild-able. I think the shop really just didn't want to mess with it, they must be content repairing autos in late models... they also went thru the Transfer Case and didn't charge me anything. as stated before i did find a rebuilt one for $800 bucks and one for $700 a lot further away. paid a $200 core, no where near 1200/500.
