Tranny Question

Hey All. I should know this, but which transmission does my '78 CJ-7 have? She's bone stock in the drivetrain. 304 w/three speed. Once in a long while it seems 1st gear does not engage completely and she'll pop out and grind. Bugs the crap out of me when it happens, but luckily it's over quickly and there appears to be no adverse effect to the transmission. I learned quickly to always engage 1st while the vehicle is still in motion if possible. As long as I do that she'll fall right into gear. Is this a condition I should sweat over, or not a big deal? Any advice/wisdom is greatly appreciated. Regards, -K-

 

Sounds like a T-15 and worn out syncros.

 

Thanks for the ID. Obviously "if you can't find 'em,...grind 'em" are not words to live by, but so long as the 1st issue is a rare occurance it's not a serious problem? I'm not trying to drop the tranny anytime soon. I'd like to ride all my stock components as long as they'll last. I just need the old girl to ride up on the beach and around town. Regards, -K-

 

My other 76 CJ5 used to do the same thing, but it was third gear not first. At least that was how it started...eventually it got to where it would not go in to gear at all and 3rd gear was useless. I don't remember the name of the part that was damaged as a result of this, but it was the part that the shift fork goes over to engage the gears (something like 3rd gear shift hub or something I think). Oh yeah this was a T 150 3 speed.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll rest a bit easier knowing it's not a swiftly approaching terminal condition. Just out of curiosity, what aftermarket or otherwise sourced beefier transmission will bolt up to the 304? Or is the stock unit reputedly tough enough for more aggressive wheeling right out of the box? Regards, -K-

 

I have a 79 with a 304 and it has a T-150 (that also just took a dump on me). CJs with a 304 came with a T-15 up until 76 and then they switched to T-150. If yours is a 78 and it's stock, it's a T-150.

 

:iagree:

 

The T150 is a tough little tranny and has seen service behind many SBF's(it is a re-cased Ford 3.03 three speed). Of course anything is breakable given the right motivation from the throttle pedal.

 

Thanks for all your responses guys. I appreciate all the information. I'm going to keep on taking it easy w/1st gear and run her 'till something lets go. When I run in the sand I use my low range and take off in second gear so thatb should buy my 1st gear some time. See y'all on da beach!