4-speed Problems; Post Your Experiences

Lots of good info on here already. Thanks for all of the replies.

I think I've finally figured out that there is still alot to learn when it comes to making the clutch work, which is something I hadn't thought about. Clutch is officially on the "4-speed research" list.

Personally, I'm not too worried about the trans tunnel cover or crossmember work. It'll definitely take time, but I've done metal fab projects before and know I can make usable pieces. They may look like crap, but they'll get the job done. That being said, my biggest worry is setting the angles up correctly so I don't cause any problems down the line.

I know a 4-speed swap will hurt financially, but I'm willing to dump money into a rebuild and adapters. These are the parts of the Jeep that will likely never change, so I want to do it right the first time. I can worry about rust holes and nice wheels later on.

 

Rebuilding a T-19 is basically the same as a T-18 except, if the reverse/first synchronizer hub on a T-19 is even slightly loose or doesn’t need pressed on or off it needs replaced. The result will be jumping out of first gear under heavy loads. During normal driving it most likely won’t show up but when you need it to hold the most is when it fails. That hub should have to be pressed off and on.

 

I have an early T18 with reverse to the right and UP. I hardly ever accidentally hit reverse anymore.
I swapped out a few gears when I first installed it (R & 1 ) and it has worked great for a few years now.

 

God, I do that all the time.
I really have mixed emotions about my 4 speed swap.

 

I originally put mine together with a SM420 and I loved it. Short case, low 1st gear was great. The 2nd to 3rd synchro ended up getting trashed and I lost 2nd gear on the 1st trip on the Rubicon. Actually on the first day. I looked into getting it rebuilt but we couldn't find all the parts. I had a pair of SM465s on the shop floor ( who doesn't right?) and decided to swap one in. Advance Adapters sold me just the adapter plate since the spline count was the same. With everything bolted together the drivetrain was just less than two inches longer. I was able to mive the engine forward enough and the transfer case back a little to make it fit. The biggest pain was the reverse gear bulge was now on the left and I had to modify the transmission cover to fit. I can't even notice a difference in the gearing. Hopefully it'll be future proofed for awhile