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Family CJ6 Project

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by fhoehle, Sep 26, 2012.

  1. Apr 13, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I scuffed the urethane paint on it with 80 grit. Under the urethane single stage is 2k primer and under that is self etch primer over 220 grit sanding. I was told if going direct to aluminum that I could've just sanded with 80 grit and light coat of self tech then the vortex could be applied over that.
     
  2. Apr 13, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I always had used t18 four speeds in everything from log skidders to jeeps to whatever. Never even looked in one. Never had a kick of trouble. The very first sm420 I install is now moaning like a buffalo with bad gas and sounds like rocks are in it. When I regasketed it it looked perfect. I love doing things twice, or three times...or...
     
  3. Apr 13, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I hate spell check.
     
  4. Apr 13, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Self tech should be self tech.....kick of trouble should be kick of trouble. Thought I edited all the spell check nonsense but I missed these.
     
  5. May 18, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Rebuilt the SM420, had to really look for synchros. Had mainshaft machined for snap ring while it was out. Reinstalled and it was ok. Felt good for quite a while. Then I wheeled it all weekend. Saturday towards end of day the trans started shifting hard and sounds like rocks in it again. I said to hell with it and ground every gear on purpose all the way back to camp. Just got home, washed the jeep, am going to yank that pos and go to a T18 like I shoulda in the beginning. I will post pics of the 420 after I shoot it with solids from the 375H&H.
     
  6. May 19, 2014
    68BuickV6

    68BuickV6 Well-Known Member

    Hesperia, CA.
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    Mar 12, 2012
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    Sounds like a waste of money and transmission.
     
  7. May 19, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Ive had my fill of this trans. I have rebuilt tractor transmissions, dozer transmissions, etc. and never a problem. My skidder transmissions, both t18s, never gave any issues. After coming back from the trail ride and having to force it in gear all afternoon, Im sure it is done for. I dont know if one of the new synchros or bearings failed nor do I care at this point. This trans has been a thorn in my side for too long and I'm not a patient guy. The synchros were not cheap, and Im not rebuilding a problem child like this one again. There are better designed transmissions out there, that are simply much younger. I would take a T18 or even an sm465 over this one. As for shooting its remains, well that is just stress relief!
     
  8. May 19, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    OK, just had to get my damn tantrum about this cursed transmission of mine out of the way. I'm going to start fresh with another trans. As much as I'd like to go to a different setup, it looks like I'm going to have over $1000.00 in going to a T-18, so I guess I will look for a late 420 to rebuild and hope that it is not cursed by a witch doctor like the last one. For the life of me, I can't figure out what all went wrong. The bearings were all new, but I was not very happy with the quality of them, but they are what came in the kit. The gears were a bit pitted, but that shouldn't cause the troubles either. It was one of the simplest transmissions I've ever had apart, and I used a manual when putting it back together. When I pull it down I guess I will see what failed. I am not going to use this trans over however, as it is the 47-52 version, and parts are not easy to find. Hopefully I can find one from the mid 60's that isn't beat to death.
     
  9. May 19, 2014
    tarry99

    tarry99 Member

    Northern California
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    Not to throw fuel on this fire..........But I still believe the B&W T-18 is a better choice overall............even though the 420 does enjoy a little lower first gear which might interest some .....the jump between 2nd and 3rd in the 420 is huge in comparison and therefore makes it tough on low torque , powered engines to transition up to speed..............Notwithstanding as you have mentioned above the T-18 is still found and used in all sorts of oil & water drilling & pump equipment , including heavy duty forklifts throughout the industry and therefore is still supported Nationwide. Much easier to find parts on the commercial side if you know where to look.
     
  10. May 19, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Well, I scrounged the area and came up with a scout trans and rear adapter plate. That can possibly knock off a bit of cash from the transformation process. After talking to a few guys I am getting the idea that I would be better off in the reliability department swapping out the SM420. Tarry, your words carried weight in this decision also. I guess I will be saving up a bit to get the trans combo that I want in the old CJ6. I am familiar with the T-18, that is what I think I'm going to go with.
     
  11. May 20, 2014
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Mar 4, 2003
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    5,466
    I've done both the T18s and SM465s... Personally like the drive and gears of the SM465 better, but it's a beast size wise. I found I ended up with the same no mater the route as some were cheaper in different areas. Go with what you find, that's what I'm doing these days (2 SM465s stocked up for @ 100 each).
     
  12. May 21, 2014
    kevinmc

    kevinmc New Member

    CA
    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2014
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    30
    The Aqualu tubs are very nice, good choice, and nice build you have going there.

    This was my CJ-8 with an Aqualu tub, it also had AFW (now throttle down customs frame), 5.9L, 46RE, and more.

    [​IMG]
     
  13. May 22, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Well, I was all set to do a T18, when all of a sudden a good friend picked up a 465 out of his old boss' truck. Upon removing the cover, it looks like brand new inside, and the gear oil was even like new. Looks like tomorrow I'll make time to yank the 420 out and remove the adapter stuff which seems to be sold.
    On another note, referring to the last post, I really like the quality of the Aqualu body. Kevin, You have a pretty wild Scrambler there. How come you say was...did you sell it?
     
  14. May 22, 2014
    rejeep

    rejeep Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Rochester, NY
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    The aqualu body is just fantastic...
    quality and beef is second to none..
    I've been staring at mine for the last couple weeks and the results are amazing.

    thats a sweet 8... Direction I'm going with mine.

    sorry to digress...
     
  15. May 27, 2014
    kevinmc

    kevinmc New Member

    CA
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    Mar 27, 2014
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    Yes I sold it and bought my 1955 CJ-5! You will love the Aqualu body, it's much stronger than a steel body and should last you a lifetime.
     
  16. Jun 8, 2014
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Well the Sm465 is in. Not much room around it, thats for sure. It does drive nice and has good gear spacing. Except for the transfer case shifters, it was an easy install. Have to engineer some xcase shifter action this week.
     
  17. Mar 3, 2016
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    Havent updated this in a while, will post some pics in the next few days. Just took off the Truck Avenger and Weiand intake and put a little 2g Rochester and factory intake back on. The engine is stock and I don't drive fast so I really don't need anything up high. I prefer the good manners and low down smoothness of the Rochester. My friend wanted the setup, so someone will get to use it.
     
  18. Mar 4, 2016
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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  19. Mar 4, 2016
    throwback

    throwback Member

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    Beautiful!

    What is your wheel and tire set up? I have later Jeep 15x8 wagon wheels on mine with 31x10.5 MTs and the wagon wheels don't look right to me. I'd like a set of solid steelies like you have, but would like to keep my 31x10.5x15 tires if possible.
     
  20. Mar 4, 2016
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I had some 1970s era tubeless wheels from an IH scout that I got from a friend of mine. They were about 15x6 or so if I remember correctly.
     
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