T-150 to T-18a transmission swap. Instructions for dummies?

[Christopher]

So, in preparation for our trip, I've decided that its high time I install the T-18 that I've been stubbing my toe on for about 3 years.

This T-18 was in a CJ5 , same year (1977) as mine. It has the 1" adaptor on the back for the Dana 20 Transfer Case .

Now, in reading this: Swapping a CJ T-18 into a CJ

And the TSB regarding removing the Transmission , it would seem that the order of operations are: Support engine and clutch housing, remove bolts securing the Transmission skid plate, remove bolts holding Transmission to bell-housing, and then remove Transmission and transfer-case still bolted together, and bolted to the skid plate.

Is that correct?

Also, I need to grind a clearance arc in my clutch fork correct?

Do I need an alignment tool to align the clutch/etc before I stick the "new" Transmission in?

My T-18 is missing the little "pin" that holds the shift lever into the shift lever control housing. Is this just a small roll pin? Or is it solid stock?

I'm a little nervous about this swap, having never done one in the past. I really hope those skid plate bolts don't break off. I've been soaking them with penetrating oil for weeks in preparation.

I do have the drive shafts out of the old CJ5 as well, so my lengths should be fine.

I have a 2 1/2" spring lift, and 1" or so of body lift on the fibreglass body. Do I need to space my skid plate down 7/8"? This is a daily driver rig, and we are about to go on a road trip, from Victoria BC to DeathValley, so it sees a lot of highway miles too. If I need to space it to keep the u-joints alive I will.

Am I overlooking anything?

I'm really looking forward to going slower! Currently the Jeep is way too fast off road.

Thanks in advance.

Part of me thinks I should put this swap off until after the trip. But I really want that low gear!

 

[Torxhead]

For starters, I would suggest looking up all the info you can about the swap. The whole thing took me about 3 months, some guys do it in a day. I have never heard about the clearance issues with the fork. Yes, for an alignment tool also. I did not have to drop the t/c as I used a double cardian u-joint and rotated the pinion angle to match. I am a little shy of time right but can get back with you later if you ask, or you can pm me. The area you are planning to go to is full of mining and hiking trails and I have visited it often along with the Panamint and Argus mountians nearby. You probably could get by without that super low gear for this trip in my opinion. If you download Google Earth that will probably help. You can spend a lifetime down there and never see it all. I have written a few run reports about trips there, you could look up those, there are a few tough trips though. Mostly just great wheeling and camping.

 

[Posi]

My T-18 is missing the little "pin" that holds the shift lever into the shift lever control housing. Is this just a small roll pin? Or is it solid stock?

You'll find the pin resting at the bottom of the Transfer Case , that's where I found mine. It's not a roll pin, solid pin.

Edit: that info will safe you some time if your rebuilding the Transmission because it is slightly smaller then the pin roll bearings that all drop to the bottom of the case and mix together.

 

[Christopher]

I've decided to defer the Transmission swap until after the big trip. I just don't have enough time to get enough miles on it before we head out, so for now, I'll stick with what I've got!

Thanks for the info though. I'll be asking more questions when I get back and get out the wrenches!