Jeep or Ford T-18

Timgr nailed it.."the downshift from 4th to 3rd on the highway will be more useful. You won't have to wind out the engine so much when you downshift." That's why I think the 4 spd. would be better. According to JeepmanEd, in order to use a 75 jeep T-18 with my bell I need an adapter, and I need an adapter for the D20. Even if I combine both T-18's I still need those adapters. Why I would need the bell adapter when the 74 I6 bell is the same as a 75 I6 bell is beyond me, but I don't know doodley-squat about trannies and only slightly more about jeeps. $275 (2xT-18), $150 (labor) $500 (D20 adapter) $225 D20 rebuild =1150 + bell adapter + ds mods. So 1150+ vs. 520 T-14/D20 rebuild means I won't be passing anybody anytime soon. :driving: If I don't need a bell adapter and if either tranny came with the D20 adapter that would be a different story. If I go with the T-176, I'm looking at around $450 for tranny/t-case/D300 adapter + $225 D20 rebuild. Figure $700 plus bell and ds mods. That might work and that's only if the tranny and t-case are in good shape like the ads say. Maybe I need to buy some and beg some members to donate their time and school this rookie. But methinks it would cost just as much in beer as it would to pay the tranny guy. If you wanna come over just remember, I may be dumb but I can lift heavy things. :drool::smash: Seriously, thanks for the info and keep it coming.

 

Nope. That's where you're getting off track.

You have to realize that the factory used adapters too. The aftermarket adapters are expensive, but you can do this all using factory parts - including factory adapters.

Here's a Jeep T-18, from the JeepTech site:



You can see the plate adapter between the transfer case and the transmission. That is a factory part. If you buy this Jeep T-18, it should come with that adapter. If it does not, then it's just a pile of parts - you don't want it. Your transfer case will just bolt up to the factory adapter - no other parts needed.

In 1975, Jeep used the same style bell for the T14 and the T18, but they put a plate adapter between the bell and the transmission. You also need the correct input shaft and bearing retainer, but those should come with the '75 T18 - again, it's not really a complete transmission without them.

So, you really need to look at the '75 T18 to see what comes with it. You should be able to assemble your engine - your T14 bell - factory plate adapter for bellhousing - '75 CJ-5 T18 - factory plate adapter to the transfer case - your Dana 20 transfer case.

You can use the factory adapters to do this - but you'll have to seek them out, instead of just buying the kit from Novak or such.

The close ratio T-18 from the '75 CJ, or the T176-D300 setup, will give you a better passing gear than the wide ratio Ford T18.

 

Here's the transmission side of a '74-75 CJ with a T18:



This is the factory plate adapter, PN 992667, for a Jeep T18. It will look exactly like this.

All 74-75 models use the same bellhousing, so you can use your existing bell. If the Jeep T18 is missing 5.052-1, then you will have to find or make one.

 

Timgr nailed it. Go re-read my post above about using the Jeep adapter and output shaft on the Ford Transmission. I've done this conversion literally hundreds of times in the last 16 or so years.

 

I appreciate all the input. For clarity, the CL ad did not specifically mention the adapters and I could not identify any in the photo. That was why I was adding the cost of the adapters. I was finally able to contact the seller to find out if they were included, but the tranny was sold a few days ago. From the advice given, sounds like I should explore the CR T-18 or T-176 options to better suit my needs. Either way, I am kicking myself for not getting a $100 T-18

 

..

 

Where are you located (beside the USA)?

I ask, because I'd be interested if it were near me.

 

..

 

Gentleman, please pm each other or put ads in the classifieds section as per forum rules.