Recommended Auto Tranny to 72 CJ5

I have heard of many options and I have reviewed advanced adapters, and frankly I am trying to go with the cheapiest and easiest route for now because I don't have a lot of cash to spend at the time to get it going.

Currently I drive an all original 72 CJ5 with the 304 AMC and the 3 speed, which can be a BEAR to shift sometimes and considering I got the jeep to drive small distance in town back and forth and for some small wheelin' nothing serious. I don't need a heavy duty set up. I use it get get a few places off road and to go shooting etc.

I have reviewed a th350/ 203 or 205 set up which would run a grand said and done with gaskets and fluids and small stuff with the adapter plate at the actual mechanic parts.

But I had huge curiosity when I looked into the broncos and found the ford AOD trannys and the c4 trannys which I believe with a little research may be less troublesome to the 304 AMC.

I am fairly new to the CJ world, had the CJ5 maybe a month now and had a 90XJ before. I know fords pretty well and would love to stick to ford parts etc, but open to all ideas.

Any advise, comments, knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thank You

 

If the stock T-14/T-15 is a bear to shift there is something wrong. These transmissions are basically car style transmissions adapted for 4 wheel drive use. It would be much easier and generally cheaper to repair whats there than to adapt something else. If you are stuck on an auto then find a TF 999 (Chrysler 904 with AMC bellhousing bolt pattern) and use a dana 300 than spending the money to adapt another transmission to your engine and transfer case, (2 adaptings). Plus most likely needing to rebuild the auto.

Research the 203 or 205 very closely. I think you will find they are too long and too wide for your application.

I think you will find the aod is too long,difficult to adapt, and expensive to do so.
If it were me I'd look into what's causing the issue with my existing transmission. Look at the basics like clutch adjustment/condition, motor and transmission mounts, transmission condition, (check fluid levels first), make sure all bolts are tight, especially bellhousing and transmission bolts, and check for wear in the clutch linkage which is common.

 

I would suggest looking at NOVAK at their website, I have found a plethora of information concerning my '72 CJ and its stock set up. I have never driven nothing but a standard since I turned 15, (WOW almost 11 years ago). I agree though if your T-15 is being a *&%$ to shift in a gear there is something wrong. I have totally rebuilt mine, a few times!! It is a generally a good tranny. But for Fords a T-18 four speed will work fine, it is a common swap. If you are hell bent on a automatic transmission, go to a junk yard and find you a GM-TH400, It was offered originally back in the 70's on jeeps (if my sources are correct) The only difference is the bell housings and bodies are all one casting, so you need to find a conversion kit, once again novak offers one. Plus, the TH400 also mounts up to you stock DANA/Spicer 20 transfer. With a adaptor of course. What you really got to look at though is how long is the transmission, plus transfer case is! Then look at the drive shaft angle, you might get yourself into a bind. Good Luck Though! I got my CJ about a year ago for $2000 and have about $5000 already put into it!!

 

thank you much for the replies. I really do appreciate it. I heard this tranny had straight cut gears so that would cause a little trouble in the shifting but hearing this info from other cj guys helps. Thanks


Sean

 

Nope. Only reverse is straight cut.

 

Do you know how to double clutch? It makes it much easier to shift when the sincros get some wear on them.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

Lengths of Transmissions, Bellhousing face to rear of case (no tailshaft)

Ford

C4/C5=17"
C6=20"
AOD=20 1/2"

GM

TH 350=21 1/2"
TH 400=24 1/2"
700R4=23 1/2"

Chrysler

727=20 1/2"
904=20 1/2"
tf999=20 1/2

This was partly discussed at:

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?p=716634#post716634