82 CJ5 - More questions

Hi,

I am the one who asked the question a few days back about the 151 4 cylinder engine and it's reliability. Even though the thread degraded into a boat anchor conversation ;-) I appreciate everyones feedback!

I have several more questions:

1 - I believe the transmission is an SR-4. I have read they are a bit on the weak side but would still like to hear some comments of those who have or have had the SR-4. I'm not a heavy wheeler, more of a wheeler if I'm hunting and need some traction.

2 - I believe the transfer case is a Dana 300. Again, any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

3 - The body tub does have a fair amount of cancer. Any idea how difficult it is to find a used, but fairly solid tub? Or would I maybe end up buying a reproduction?

Thanks, I appreciate your help.
Mike
Sioux Falls, SD
<><

 

Mike, you’re correct the SR4 is on the weak side but for the wheeling you’re doing it should hold up. The D300 in my opinion is the best stock t-case jeep made. Sorry for being so short but others will jump in.

 

1.The SR4 sure leaves a lot to be desired especially if it has any miles on it. You might want to consider a swap for a T176.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t176.htm
2. really can't do much better than a Dana 300 in these Jeeps
3. Maybe you guys need to talk http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24279

 

Untill it died recently from wearing down a lobe on the cam, my 151 "Iron Duke" did very well wheeling, except in the dunes and the carb didn't do well on the rocks.
Mine was backed with a T-176 plus I am running 4.56 gears in the axles and 33" tires. Ran pretty well on highway too, just dont try passing a big rig unless there is plentyof room.

The good news is that the bellhousing you have will bolt right up to a small block V-8 or big (4.3l)V-6 Chevy. Loose the trans for a T-176 or T-18 (Both have the same bolt pattern) and you'll be set.

 

So if I translate what your saying, a chevy 283 will mount to the 151 bellhousing. On the other end, that bellhousing will accept the T176 or T18. So far so good with no adapters.

Will the T176 and T18 accept the Dana300 transfer case without adapters?

If the answer is yes, then I can have a 283 driving a good transmission with the best transfer case around.

If the answer is no, then there's adapters involved and more cash invovled, making me a bit sad.

So where do I stand?

Thanks,
Mike
<><

 

I know the T176 will bolt to a Dana 300 because I had an 81 CJ-5 with that factory setup.

 

Check this out.http://www.jeeptech.com/wiki/index.php/Engine/Factory/GM_151_I4

 

On the topic of tubs, I was recently at a local jeep wrecking yard and fellow was buying a jy tub to put on his cj as his cj had better components. The tub cost him $600. In my opinion this is very much worth it. He got a good tub with no rust beetles and avoided bodywork, paint and so on. This might be a solution for you. Search over at jeepsunlimited there should be at least one post on this topic.

Karl