T90 To T18 Swap

So with a screwdriver and mallet I can move the 2-3 synchro. Nothing visible worn or broken.

 

Because the synchronizer blocking plates are notched it is not practical to slide the synchronizer sleeve back and forth by hand. The cane provides much needed leverage. Use a mild tap with a hammer to slide the synchronizer sleeve.

 

Can you verify the clutch is working now by turning the input gear while working the pedal?

 

X2 what Grant says. If the clutch it pushed in, you should be able to rotate the input gear.

 

Well now I'm pretty convinced this is a bad clutch, although I have never had one act like this. I adjusted it way out, so far that the cable is taut and I'm sure it's running the throw out bearing constantly. I can drive it now, kinda, although it still refuses to shift sometimes.

 

If it shifts with very tight clutch control linkage and clutch pedal fully depressed then that certainly suggests that it’s time for a new cover plate assembly.

 

Next dilemma....replace clutch and get it back on the road, or start my 4 speed swap. I have a LOT of irons in the fire and I'm not as young as I once was. Replacing the clutch, I can probably have it on the road by September.
Trans swap will be a months long project.

 

Sounds to me like your Jeep is highly suggesting you initiate the transmission swap now.
Now or never !

 

Perhaps but there remains a couple months of high country recreation access. In my world, that is precious time-priceless. IMO, if it is indeed just the cover, I would just replace it and continue with summer plans. The T18/clutch can wait for winter. Do you have access to another cover someplace nearby? Chuck? If not, I have several hanging on the shop wall for the price of shipping.

 

Its good to know that the transmission internals aren't damaged. Just put in a new clutch and enjoy the rest of the summer/fall weather and save the 4 speed swap for the winter.

 

My T-18 swap took about a month and a half once I tore the T-14 out. That was working 3-4 hours a night on it. That also doesn't count several weeks of rebuilding the T-18 ahead of time. Lots of cross-frame mods, OD shifter mods, clutch linkage mods, and floorboard fab involved. I would fix the clutch so you can use the Jeep and do the 4spd swap over the winter.

You can see the T-18 install in my build thread starting here: 71 Wheeling Rig

 

I vote for fix it and run it. The clutch can be done in 4 hours or less, start to finish.

 

I'm into it about 4 hours and this is as far as I've got.


Honestly, if I don't do the T18 now I probably never will. I'm 56 years old and this stuff hurts me.

 

Pull the clutch out and get that part fixed right
Then see how you feel.
No need to be in a hurry on decisions.
Think it over. Overnight always helps.
Certainly No need to have a 4 speed just because everyone else wants it.
Get what you really want in the end, but don’t torture yourself to get there.

 

Do I NEED it? No, probably not. I've been off roading this Jeep for 22 years all over Colorado. But there's been many times (including last Monday at Wheeler lake) when the 2.79 1st gear in the T90 just doesn't cut it.
I have the 4 speed, but I'll need to change the input shaft. I have a transfer case for it, but it'll need rebuilt.
If I buy a clutch for the current setup, it's going g to need a different disc and pilot bushing for the 4 speed.

 

You could always put a low range kit in the D18.

 

I vote just fix clutch for now
a T 18 swap . is really time consuming

 

Righto, the driven disc must match the maindrive gear.
The clutch is mated to a Dauntless …. right ???
So are you wanting a diaphragm type or 3 finger cover plate assembly ?
I generally vote diaphragm type unless you plow snow or skid logs.