t176 d300

is it worth swapping this in in place of a t14 d20? looks like the t176/300 combo is longer than the current set up, is the aluminum tranny way weaker? running 31s with 3.73 gears with a stockish 232 running a little cam and custom exhaust

 

That's exactly the swap I made over 20 years ago and haven't regretted it for a second. I've never heard anyone claim the T176 was weaker than a T14, quite the opposite. The T176/177/178 was used behind AMC 360's from the factory in heavy fullsize Jeeps and has been known to hold up just fine behind a V8's power. The combo is slightly longer, but not unreasonably so. I use a factory 1980 CJ5 driveshaft and have no issues.

 

I'd think it would be great with the 232 in a CJ. Good transmission ratios and the low range ratio of the D300 is appealing.

From what I've read, the main problem with the T17x in normal service (ie not abused) is the shift top wearing out. There are repop tops available from Crown.

 

Yes, I did replace my shift cover and shifter, which wore out causing it to get stuck in reverse. Very common problem, but very simple replacement.

 

Yup, behind an inline 6 it would make a great replacement, or a mild v-8 for that matter. I have seen the output shafts twist off but that's with large tires, big v-8, and copious use of the skinny pedal. The t-176 is much stronger than a t-14 and the 300 has a better low range at 2.62-1 vs the 20's 2.03-1. The 300 is a bit stronger as well be aware there are two versions of the 300. Short rear output shaft and long rear output shaft. Somewhere around 3/4" difference in length. The short output shaft is somewhat stronger due to the speedo gear being cut into the shaft of the long version. Easy way to tell a short version is the speedo driven gear housing is threaded into the rear output housing like the 20. The long version has a retainer that holds it in place like a 231/241/242 transfer case

 

thanks for the input that was just what i was looking for..,will the yolks off of the 20 fit the 300? i would like to have both ends of the shaft have the u bolt type yolk

 

If your 20 is a very late version with fine spline outputs then yes. If it the typical coarse spline unit which is most common then no. You can use a fine spline Dana 30 or 44 yoke on the 300 to get the u-bolt style yoke though. In some applications the dust shield must be removed but other than that they fit just fine. Make sure the 44 yoke is a fine spline and uses the 1310 u-joint like our Jeeps use. Typically 1/2'ton or below or Jeep applications

 

GREAT info! I have the 176/300 in my '80 CJ5 and was thinking about swapping a T18, but now I think I will just rebuild it when the time comes.

Thanks Guys!

 

I wonder about the length. The T14 bell is about an inch deeper than the T176 bell. so even if the T176 is longer, you may end up with about the same overall length.

Be sure to get the bell and release arm from the donor. The fewer pieces you have to buy later, the better.

 

the t 176 shifts real nice as well. I also has a lower first gear than the t14........ 3.52 v/s 3.10

 

the t-18 is a whole nother animal than the t-14 discussed in this thread

 

There is a version of the T-176, the T-177 that has a 3.82 low gear which is very nice. Those tranmissions have an ID tag with the number 5359389 stamoed on it.