1974 DJ-5 Mail Jeep

Hey all. I have a 74 Postal Jeep thats been a nightmare like most postal jeeps are. It has a rebuilt 232 in it and a novak kit with a 200r4 trans.. Well its having a lot of problems and I am looking for a bolt on Transmission option for it.

I'm at the point where I rather put a Manual Transmission in this jeep (not using for a mail route anymore) So I have NO clue what will bolt on nor have I ever done this kind of conversion. If anyone can foward what I should be looking for in the junk yards / ebay I'd appreciate it.

Thanks!!

Brad in Phoenix

 

You probably could bolt up an AMC (Chrysler) 904 automatic (no OD) to the 232 AMC engine, but if you have the 200r, you might be able to use a 700R4, which is much better than both. Do you have a photo of the bellhousing and adapter? You may have to modify the driveshaft, but it would be worth it to get rid of the 200r you have now.

As far as manual transmissions, any manual bolted to an AMC car should work with minimal modifications. You will need the flywheel, clutch, clutch linkage, driveshaft, etc. Additionally you will need a pedal assembly from a DJ.

IMHO it would be easier to just change out the auto for a better unit.

 

I agree with Hansh. The 200r4 was a turd when it came out. Even the dealerships were swapping them out for 700r4's back in the day in the heavier cars. The 700r4 would be a good way to go. Try and get one that's 1988 or newer. Most of the updates had been done to them by then to fix the weaknesses that gave them a bad rap. A 904 from an AMC car is a direct bolt up to the 232/258 engines so is a possibility also. TV pressure on the 700r4 is of paramount importance in making them live. Could be what's causing problems with your 200r4 also IIRC. TV cable (throttle valve), commonly referred to a kickdown cable, adjustment is extremely critical to have right. Can't be hit and miss like on earlier TH-350's, etc. Nickmil

 

Well how about a TH-350.. Thats a direct replacement for the 200r4 thats in there now. Should be fine all the way around. The Kit I have in the Jeep currently is from novak in Utah. It was for a th-350 but the 200r4 is the same length, bolt pattern and same spline for the drive line (had to have it made though.. Very short

Only thing that didn't work the day I got the 200r4 in as the bolts for the torque converter. It needed metric So hardware store fixed that but yes the 200r4 sucks.... never use another again..

Still rather go with a Manual though. Kinda thinking about tossing in a electric motor and doing some experiments with that kind of setup. Think a Manual would be best for that... Not sure what I am gonna do yet....

Thanks for the input..
Brad

 

Yes you could use a T350 also but then you lose the OD of the 700R4. IIRC the earlier 700R4 have the same input, somebody correct me if I am wrong. The later ones (88 and later??) have a larger input shaft and different spline count on the input shaft.

I would reconsider those hardware store bolts for the torque converter. I would go to the parts store, either FLAPS, dealer, or salvage yard and buy the correct bolts, otherwise you may be taking that trans out again to remove some broken bolts. All the torque from the engine goes though those bolts to the transmission. I guess it depends on the use it will see and how you drive it.

Good luck with the project.