Transmission upgrade

[JoeBobJeepin]

I have a stock 84 CJ7 with a T-4 tranny that i am attempting to upgrade. I bought the NOVAK AX15 with all the conversion and adapter items, but am feeling rather mislead that it will "fit" as now i have to weld special extensions on the shifter, and cut into the structural body area of the tranny tunnel. Florida has not hills to speak of, i do not intend to go mudding, etc, only weekend local driving and pulling a small 18' boat. Would i be better off replacing the T-4 with a T-5 instead of butchering my jeep to make the AX 15 "fit". I have no doubt the AX 15 is a superior Transmission , but is it necessary for my intended use.

 

[hole]

You will get a lot of different answers/opinions on this subject. T-4 & 5's are on the weak end of the scale, but might hold together fine with stock tires and a responsible adult behind the wheel. Personally I would finish with the path you are on since its paid for and a much better Transmission that you shouldn't have to worry about again. Especially if you indeed intend to pull a boat

 

[Saddle Tramp]

I would think more along the lines of a T-176 . OK strong Transmission that was also a factory option in a CJ from 1980 to 1986. You should be able to pick up the Transmission and CJ bell housing easy enough. It will bolt up to your Dana 300 too with no issues. To me this swap would be a no brainer with all OEM parts for what you want to do with your jeep. Put your AX15 and parts on Craig’s list!

 

[Neuner]

I went from a T-5 to a T177.

The T-5 had a loose front input shaft, the synchros needed replacing and I hated the 2-piece gear shifter. I think most of its problems were because of the PO not knowing how to drive and bashing it around along with the rest of the CJ. I didn't have anything wrong with the gears.

Because of it's bad rap, I just went and got a T177 and love it. It is a medium-duty tranny but shifts like a truck. I had to get a different Transmission tunnel plate, boot and have the drive shafts shortened/lengthened otherwise it bolts right up.

If the T-5 had been rebuilt, I'm sure it would have been fine for what you or I would do with it. Liked the smoother/quicker shifting.



** this is normally when Lumpy would chime in and say he's been driving with a T-5 since before they were invented and never had a problem.