T18 short shaft conversion???

Alright folks here it is, I scored a fsj t-18 from the j-yard (wide ratio), my problem is just like everyone elses and it is the fact that it has the 5 inch spacer.... no big deal (I thought) novak carries a conversion to the short shaft but the problem is that I would have to run a ford clutch and flywheel. I already have a centerforce clutch and new flywheel for the amc set up. So... is there a short shaft conversion to keep my jeep clutch? Should I have my input shaft machined down to fit? Would I have to maintain some sort of spacer between bellhousing and tranny? Any help would be appreciated, much like everyone else I would love to just throw some money at it and make it good, but then theres the pesky budget.... I want it to work right--- Help!!

 

Oh, and I have done a lot of searching but nothing I can find pertains to the clutch... Sorry to bring something up thats been covered so much.

 

I used a t-150 bell housing modified to work with the T-18 without the spacer.
The short shaft allows you to do this. I used the stock flywheel and clutch preassure plate with a clutch for the 10 spline input shaft of the short shaft conversion. You will have to replace the clutch disk with the correct one for the input shaft and you will have to replace the pilot bushing with one for that input shaft. The input shaft on the T-18 is larger diameter then stock and that is why the clutch disk will have to be replaced.

So if you use a t-150/176 bell housing you can keep your new flywheel and preassure plate but you will have to replace the clutch disk and pilot bushing.

You will have to drill and tap 1 new hole to use either of those 2 bell housings.

 

Parts Mike is a well-known source for the input shaft kit: http://www.partsmike.com/tech-help/id-t18/

 

x10 on what Hudsonhawk said. I used a Ford T19 from behind a 302 and when I purchased my clutch I bought one for a 79 CJ5 with a 304 and t18 wich was a stock jeep setup. And I bought a used T176 bell housing from Novak that was already drilled and ready to go for around a $100.

 

R&P stocks the conversion parts as well. 503-557-8911.

You will need to change the disc and pilot bushing as mentioned.

 

Ok little updade.... I remembered that I have a parts truck for my 77 ford (which has a t18 and a pto setup) so should I just use the shaft out of that one and replace the disk??? I'm new to manual conversions sorry for the stupid questions just seems alittle daunting to me.. I figured if I do that then I can still use the new flyweel and centerforce clutch pack, little money out with the most gain? but the next question is re the t-case, I'd rather run a dana 300 than d20. but I guess I haven't gotten to that point yet.:?

 

To run the Jeep Dana 300 you will need an aftermarket adapter. About $475-$500 from most suppliers. Your stock adapter will not work with a Jeep 300. It will work with a Scout 2 Dana 300 which was only used in late '79 and '80. As you can imagine these are hard to fine.

You can use the Ford T-18 and the Jeep output shaft and adapter. You will need to drill and tap 6 holes in the back of the Ford case and plug off the left lower hole in the Ford case.
Regardless, you will need to change the clutch disc and pilot bushing/bearing as you will be using the Ford input shaft.

 

Thank's a bunch, I need to do some thinking before I start ripping this thing apart, better make sure I have a game plan...