Tranny Options!!???!!!

[81CJ5baller]

I am swapping out a inline 4 GM 151 for a SBC 350 and have the AMC20 which I am swapping single piece axles and trussing the pumpkin. The question was originally going to be can I put a Automatic T350 4x4 short shaft in an 81 CJ body without stretching the frame and the body?

But now i think the question should really be "what is the best Transmission configuration for a CJ5 that probably will be tooling around on sunny days (in Oregon/WA) more often than climbing vertical boulders. I would like to look at an automatic but that isn't set in stone. I am still intrigued by the 350 option so that is on the table unless someone here tells me mechanically it wont happen without significant plasma work!!!

I currently have an SR4 with a Dana 300 . The SR4 wont handle the 350 for too long so I need to consider options.

If you have any experience with this kind of thing, please bestow your wisdom this way!!! please.

Thanks and here is to the finer things in life, family, good friends, great drinks, a gorgeous girl in a CJ with the top down....I might be digressing!

True.

 

[BIGTRUCKNUT]

SB Chevy motor is a bolt in affair supported by the aftermarket - a really easy swap. You will absolutely yourself with the newfound power of a 350 when compared to your GM 151 . You are right, the SR4 won't last behind the V8 but I don't think an automatic is the way to go either in the wheelbase constrained CJ5 . I see one really good option for a manual Transmission - finding an SM465 wide-ratio 4 speed (granny low 1st gear) truck Transmission sourced from an 80s-era GM truck and adapting it to your Dana 300 Transfer Case . The SM465 will bolt up to a stock SB Chevy bellhousing using stock or aftermarket replacement clutch parts without an adapter. The SM465 is then easily adapted to your Dana 300 Transfer Case with a 3 1/4" adapter and new mainshaft. The other option for a close-ratio 4 speed box is adapting a T-176 and your Dana 300 to the Chevy motor. I've had a wide-ratio 4 speed truck Transmission behind a 350 in my CJ5 for about 15 years and it's great offroad. Doesn't shift as quickly as an SR4 but the tradeoff is worth it.

 

[Petescj]

SB Chevy motor is a bolt in affair supported by the aftermarket - a really easy swap. You will absolutely yourself with the newfound power of a 350 when compared to your GM 151 . You are right, the SR4 won't last behind the V8 but I don't think an automatic is the way to go either in the wheelbase constrained CJ5 . I see one really good option for a manual Transmission - finding an SM465 wide-ratio 4 speed (granny low 1st gear) truck Transmission sourced from an 80s-era GM truck and adapting it to your Dana 300 Transfer Case . The SM465 will bolt up to a stock SB Chevy bellhousing using stock or aftermarket replacement clutch parts without an adapter. The SM465 is then easily adapted to your Dana 300 Transfer Case with a 3 1/4" adapter and new mainshaft. The other option for a close-ratio 4 speed box is adapting a T-176 and your Dana 300 to the Chevy motor. I've had a wide-ratio 4 speed truck Transmission behind a 350 in my CJ5 for about 15 years and it's great offroad. Doesn't shift as quickly as an SR4 but the tradeoff is worth it.

This exactly. Id only add if you cant find a SM465 a SM420 is a good option before the T-176 .

 

[Old Dog]

I have a 350/350/300 in my 7 and can tell you that a 5 would have a really short driveshaft.
Do you have any lift on it? That would make the angle even worse.

 

[NorthwestCJer]

I do know and wheel with guys that run Chev v8's and auto's in stock wheel base Flat fenders. It is doable in your CJ5 especially if you are not planning off roading it much. A CV joint rear drive shaft and a lift kit will help the drive line setup.
I am not a fan of the Chev/Muncie 4 speed 465/420 because of how low they hang down and how high they stick threw the floor pan. I prefer the NP/Ford Transmission better 420/T-18 /T19 as a jeep swap. Just my opinion.
Good luck!

 

[mstar]

For the type of offroading your planning I would look to the turbo 350 or a 700r4 (that has a lower first gear and Overdrive final gear) both are plenty strong for a 350sbc. Not saying the truck tranny is wrong but for light wheelin I would rather not shift so I could drink my coffee.LOL mike

 

[poppatello]

My vote is for manual and the Ford T-18 as well. I haven't installed mine yet but read so much about them. For the price it's the better deal. If money isn't an issue then you may want to check out the NV trannies all the big girls are running.

But as my sig states below...

 

[mstar]

Keep in mind that you will have some leeway on the mounting of your 350 sbc engine. If a auto is still in the cards I would look at ,radiator,water pump,electric fan,etc to a gain a couple inches forward thus giving more length for driveline.Not to mention more clearance for that pesky rear mounted distributor. Mike S.

 

[crider]

I'm running a 350 chevy with a T-18 in my CJ7 and it works great. The adapters are a little pricey, but worth it in my opinion