Tranny Ideas...

[poppatello]

I'm now starting my search for a tranny upgrade to mate behind the AMC 304 . I'm looking for a SM465, T-18 , and NP435 in that order. I found a few SM465 and NP 435's in my area for a decent price. I'm just wondering what the folks on here think before I make a bad purchase.

I mostly do surf fishing, dry and mud trails. Rocks is very last on any wheeling or outing but want the ability to be able to stand up to the rest if the need arise.

Right now still considering 4:56 gears but some have hinted I should reconsider and go with 4:10's

I'm running 35's too...

 

[RubberDuck]

I'm currently on the hunt for a T-18 , which is known to be a very tough tranny. It has a 6.32:1 Granny 1st which I value for crawling offroad, and also has a PTO which is kinda cool. Thing is, they're rare in the stock CJ configuration. Most people end up adapting Ford or FSJ T18s which are a dime a dozen in you-pull-it yards, but you need to swap out the longer input shaft and also get a Transfer Case adapter if you go with the Ford. That said, I had a Ford Bronco with a T-18 once upon a time and it was one of the most badass transmissions I ever had. Loved that thing, which is why I'm looking for one for my project jeep now.

 

[CJ007]

I adapted a ford T-18 and went with the Novak adapater, the adapter also has the holes in it so you can clock the transfer up a little on up to flat.

As for the tranny itself, I love it, it feels so much more solid than the T-4 I had. I don't use first on the road, just start out in second and go from there. I also did 4.56. I am really pleased with its ability and the fact you don't can crawl it versus having to push it.

I clocked mine a little for now, basically cut out the part of the skid that hangs down down for the Transfer Case an welded a flat piece in place of it. If you clock really high you have to change out (or make) a skid, bend the shifters, get a cv driveshaft (I did anyway), and maybe even beat floorboard up if you go all the way and have no or little body lift.

 

[tarry99]

The Ford T-18 Transmission is a good choice. Finding the Jeep version is not impossible but finding parts for the Jeep version is!............yes on the Ford you will have to change the input shaft and buy and adapter to whatever Transfer Case your using and on the bell housing side depending on the motor some will bolt up some will require some holes be changed in the bell housing or possibly in the Transmission . The front throw out bearing collar may also need the OD cut down to fit in the bell housing......nothing that thousands of Jeepers before have not already done. The good news is parts are plentiful and reasonably priced and they are pretty much bullet proof!

 

[poppatello]

Thanks for the input...