Jeep transmission swaps?

Does anyone know how to put an overdrive transmission (preferably a modern 5-speed) into a vintage Willys product (Jeep, Truck, Station Wagon) while retaining the four-wheel-drive system?

-Dave

 

http://www.offroaders.com/tech/jeep/transmission-conversion-guidelines.htm



http://www.novak-adapt.com/

http://www.advanceadapters.com/jeep.html

 

There were two factory OD options available for the T18 transfer case. The Warn OD worked in 2WD & 4WD & bolts into the top driver's side of the transfer case on the back. There was also a Ranger OD that was nothing more than a standard Borg-Warner OD as found on numerous makes/models from '30s-60s, but only worked in 2WD.

You can buy a rebuilt Warn OD for about $700.

As for swapping in a modern 5-speed, check the two adapter links above. Most anything can be adapted to the T18 transfer case. If it were me, I'd just swap in a T5/Dana 300 from a mid-80s CJ-7 and go from there...

 

If you have enough wheelbase, a divorced transfer case unhooks em, opening a door to the world of 2WD transmissions.

 

I would think he has the wheelbase, a Suzuki Samurai comes stock divorced.

 

Search the board at www.g503.com

Good wealth of info similar to this place.

 

I happened on one link that shows some Jeeps coming with a Ford toploader 4-speed stock, so another option to get an OD may be the version of that trans that has an OD 4th gear.

 

The Jeep T-176 was a toploader variant - you may be able to swap in the late 70s-early 80s 3+OD ge****t. Then you'd have to adapt the T176 to the T18 (certainly do-able). Lots of work for a 3spd with an OD & crummy ratios IMO.

 

Depends what kind of engine your running,stock or something more modern. AX15 and NV3550 are both great 5 speeds from the jeeps and available in 4 wheel drive. Built a few jeeps in the past, pm me with questions and if I can't answer probably have a few friends who will be able to

 

Just check your overall driveline length before you buy something. If you are not lengthening the wheelbase, I doubt you will be able to fit an AX15 in there.

A T176 bellhousing will fit on a Ford 2wd truck T18. Just need a clutch modification. The benefit is that the Ford T18's are cheap and have a 6.32 low first gear.

EDIT: by driveline length I am referring to the too-short driveshaft you may end up with.