CJ-6 wants a 5 speed

I stole the crank and rods out of my CJ-6 258 to aid in a 4.6 stroker build for my 86. Since I pulled the the engine/trans/tcase as a unit, it has got me thinking about using a T-5 / Dana 300 combo behind the next 258 that goes back in. As a side note: I pulled the parts as this older engine had the 12 counterweight crank which is the better one to use for the stroker. The engine had many miles on it and a HUGE amount of ring wear at the top of the bore, so no biggie. I have a spare later 258 (to go in its place), and a spare Dana 300. I really like the 5 speed in my 86 and would also like the slightly lower range t case from that of the Dana 20. So if I find a T-5, it looks like I could just redrill the cross member frame holes about 6 inches further back on the frame as it is a straight C channel (the 6 inches is the difference from the T-14 to T-5) and get new driveshafts. My concern is with the shift levers as I really don't want to cut up the floor. It looks like the trans shifter will be one inch forward from the old one, and the t tase will be about 4 inches more forward.(one combo has the levers side by side as the late CJ has the t case lever more forward).....read as it may be too much. So the Question: Has anyone here done this type of swap? An SR-4, T-4, or T-5 with Dana 300 into an intermediate CJ (72 to 75) and what was the outcome?

 

The way the T5 shift handle bolts up you may be able to make yourself an "offset" to make the handle come through the floor where you don't have to cut the floor.

 

Havn't done the swap, but everyone of the transmissions you mentioned is aluminum and prone to coming apart when used for wheelin with anything bigger than say 31" tires. None of these transmissions are known for there strength. I have a friend that detonated a world class T5 in about 3 weeks worth of continual wheelin with a stock small block in a cj7 with 33" tires. My honest opinion, these were all car transmissions to begin with and weren't suitable for a trail jeep. The NV3500 or NV4500 would be a way better choice.

 

AX15 and NV3550 can use a clocking ring like this: http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_153.htm
Inexpensive as adpaters go.

All these light-duty 4 and 5-speeds have lousy reputations for strength and durability. The AX15 is ok, NV3550 better, though I expect the 3550 will be expensive. I don't think any of these transmissions, other than a T14, T15 or T150, will fit under the floor without some cutting. The T18 models used special floor panels which would give you some more room, but they would be very hard to find.

Dana 20s are cheap or even free ... you could sell your 300 and put Tera gears in a 20, and probably be money ahead compared to installation of any of these 4 or 5 speeds.

 

I used a T-176 4-speed and D300 out of an early 80's CJ-5 in my 74 CJ-5. About as close to a straight bolt in as it gets. Used my original crossmember. Didn't have to cut any holes in the floor either. Works great, no regrets.

 

Dana 300 is a good solid transfer case with the 2.62-1 low range so worth keeping. As was said, stay away from the sr-4, T-4, or T-5. That's throwing good money after bad, especially with a stroker motor. NV-3550 or NV-4500 are much better and you have the length for them with a '6. Nickmil.

 

OK, let me clear up a few issues. The Stroker engine is going into another Jeep (an 86 CJ-7). It has 29 inch tall all terrians and the T-5 has been great for the whole life of the Jeep (I do new bearings/small parts at about the 80 to 90K mark) Yes, I agree, large tires, low gears, big motor equal bad news for T-5. The CJ-6 crank/rods are going into a 94 4.0 to make this stroker (at the builders now).
Since I enjoy the overdrive of this transmission AND it saves me big bucks on gas (I used a 4 speed for a month and a half during an overhaul, and gas milage went from 18 to 10 mpg) AND I like the way it shifts and feels AND the CJ-6 will only see 31 inch or smaller tires.....AND it doesn't require an adaptor. soooo thats why the combo.
I have a spare 258 thats going into the CJ-6 with either the old trans and t case or a 5 speed/ 300.
The 75 shifters are side by side where as the 81 to 86 (SR-4, T-4, T-5) shifters are offset with the t case lever sliightly more forward that the trans shifter. Since the rear drivetrain mount is located at the bottom of the transmission, and the new on would be about 6 inches longer....and the engine is in the same location, thats where I get drilling new frame holes and relocating the crossmember back to match. That part of the swap should work fine. Its the shifter that I'm worried about. So I'm not going rock crawler, clocking ring, adaptors, and I would like to NOT cut the floor....I like the offset shifter toward the rear idea...
yeah, that T-176 is about the same length as the T-14.....just not a 5 speed (overdrive)......I'm not ruling out making a new tunnel cover either. thanks all, keep the ideas comming!

 

I'd find another trans tunnel cover and move the hole where I wanted it and save the origional if I ever wanted it stock again. You can find them used from time to time pretty cheap. I like the idea for the use you describe. You got it use it. Take pics and keep us posted on your progress.

 

Sounds like you've already answered your question and just want someone to agree with you. You may have had good luck with the T-5 so far, and I'm glad to hear that, but you don't have to be a rock crawler and have big tires to blow one up. I've worked at a 4 wheel drive specialty shop that specializes in custom axles, transmissions, etc. as well as stock rebuilds for the last 12 years. In general it takes 3-5 T-5's to put one rebuilt unit back together properly and in good shape, and yes, that's installing all new bearings, blocking rings, seals, etc. I hope the T-5 holds up for you much better than they have for most people. Nickmil.