Mix And Match Front Bearing Retainers

Hi all. I have really started digging into my '52 MD and it has been one surprise after the next. I took on the project with the intent of learning as much as I can, and this vehicle has just the right amount of Frankenstein to keep me busy.

Ultimately, I decided to abandon the F134 with the cracked and "experimentally" repaired block and tackle a VW 1.9 TDI swap. I was able to secure a low mileage and complete engine at a very good price, and am looking forward to making it mesh with the old Willys. My goal is to use a few adapters as possible and maximize the use of off the shelf parts.

Front to back, my plan is as follows:

ALH 1.9TDI > Adapter w/Jeep 4.2 pattern > T176/150 Bellhousing > T98 > Dana 18

During disassembly of the powertrain, I discovered what I thought was a T18 was actually a T98 in a T18 case. It was mated to the F134 with a bellhousing adapter and a spacer combined with the original T90 input bearing retainer.

My hope is to use the flywheel, pressure plate, and throwout bearing from a T176. My question is, can I use the larger T18 front bearing retainer (which has the same diameter tube as the T176) with the 15/16" T98 input shaft? It seems like the extra 1/16" of shaft clearance would not create an issue, as the input shaft shouldn't be riding on the tube of the retainer anyway.

 

Sounds like a cool project. Decent hp and torque. I see no reason you can't use that bearing retainer if the rest of the dimensions are good.
Retains the bearing, gives a place for the throw-out bearing to ride and allows the shaft to go through.

 

As long as the shaft is sealed, the input bearing is supported correctly and the pilot bushing is correct and all is aligned it will work. Clutch is another story. There are some old school kits for t-90 to chevys that simply cut off the old snout on the transmission retainer within the adapter/spacer then had a second bearing retainer on the face of the spacer for the bellhousing being used.

@millennium falcon and @garage gnome did similar diesel swaps if you look up "ted" the Forrest service jeep here. I think millennium falcons build is on the 2a site.

 

Thanks. That is my line of thinking too. From my research, a T18 retainer "should" bolt right up.

 

Agreed, clutch is the next big hurdle. There aren't many clutches available with the 15/16"-10 spline hub, especially in the neighborhood of 10.5". It looks like there may be some ag/off road equipment that uses something close.

I am familiar with Millennium Falcon's builds, but not the others. Thanks for the tip.