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1973 Cj5 T14 3-speed

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by tmise, Nov 17, 2017.

  1. Nov 17, 2017
    tmise

    tmise New Member

    North Carolina
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2017
    Messages:
    2
    Keep hearing this transmission has to be babied or change it out. Is it that bad of a transmission?
     
    tmise, Nov 17, 2017
    #1
  2. Nov 17, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    What engine? It's fine with the factory 232 or 258. Not strong enough for a V8.

    Like any drivetrain component, you can break it if you try. Don't abuse it.

    Welcome from Boston.
     
    timgr, Nov 17, 2017
    #2
    tmise and mike starck like this.
  3. Nov 17, 2017
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
    Messages:
    5,650
    I use my T14 (behind a 225 v6) pretty hard and it hasn't failed my yet. My biggest complaint is the standard 3:1 1st gear isn't that great off road. Its gets worked over a bit as the through the floor pedals with clutch cable can be a bit difficult when the frame flexes and you kind of have to force it into gear shifts. How long it will last - I don't know. As I would love a truck 4 speed I figured I'd use it till it broke and then replace...hasn't broke yet.
     
    FinoCJ, Nov 17, 2017
    #3
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  4. Nov 17, 2017
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    On a '73, the frame flex problem is not related to the transmission - that's because of the mechanical clutch linkage mounted on both the frame and the bell housing. It's geometric - when the frame flexes away from the bell, the pushrod travel is reduced.

    My main complaint about the T-14 was the ratio of 2nd gear. All the Borg-Warner 3-speeds have about the same 1st gear, at 3:1. The T-14 2nd is 2.61:1 which isn't that different from 1st. Not good as a passing gear. The T-15 is better at 1:83:1.
     
    timgr, Nov 17, 2017
    #4
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  5. Nov 17, 2017
    mike starck

    mike starck Member

    salem,oregon
    Joined:
    Jun 22, 2006
    Messages:
    762
    The T-14 got some bad press early on with some of the Dauntless V-6 owners hammering on them pretty hard. I had one in a '73 w/232 that took a LOT of punishment.They don't need to be babied when used with mostly stock equipment and not huge tires. I have been running the T 14 in my '69 w/ V6 and 31" tires and some actual off road use with zero issues.
     
    mike starck, Nov 17, 2017
    #5
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  6. Nov 17, 2017
    tmise

    tmise New Member

    North Carolina
    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2017
    Messages:
    2
    This tranny is being used with a 4.2 liter 258 inline 6. Currently has a GM HEI and a MC2100 2bbl. Thinking of putting a X4254H cam in it. Also it's running 31 inch tires but would like to go with 33 inchers. May eventually do the 4.0 head swap but probably not anytime soon. Any ideas on a good exhaust that makes some noise? Header possibly? Hear running with 2 1/4 " pipe is good. Turbo muffler? Thanks for any help
     
    tmise, Nov 17, 2017
    #6
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