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T18 Install highlights for 76 and later CJ5-7. Click Here for an exploded view of the Borg Warner T18 transmission (168k) Click Here for a larger more readable version of the same image. (338k) Click Here to email a request for the larger image. The following information was compiled from personal
experience, internet contributors, and the adapter installation instructions. T18 Factoids! CJ's with factory T18's use two different input shafts. The shaft used from '72-75 (or 76) was 9.xx inches long and the transmissions have a 4.03 first gear. The '77-79 CJ's had a 6.xx" input and the 6.32 first gear. The full sized jeeps with V8's had an 11.xx" shaft and used the spacer between the bell housing and transmission case. All of the gears and shafts from the Ford T-18 will fit in a Jeep T-18 case. The desirable bell housing fits the T-150 or T-176, V8 or inline 6 cylinder. 76 and later Jeeps with the T150 transmission
or T176 and the Dana model 20 transfer case or D300, are perfect for installing a T18, which is
11.87 inches long. In order to bolt up directly to your bell housing, you must have a bell housing that was mated to a T176 or a T150. These two transmissions have the exact same bolt pattern as the T18 and share the same input spline as the T18. If you have the T4, T5, SR4, you will have to drill new transmission mount bolt holes in your bell housing and tilt the transmission. I recommend finding an A.M.C. 6 cylinder or V8 bell housing that fits a T150 or T176. I had to install a new pilot bushing (supplied with kit). The reason for this is because the Borg-Warner T18 has a shorter pilot shaft area than the T150 or T176 as you can see from this image.
The 76 and later CJs have the large belly pan (skid plate) cross member so no modifications are needed there. I have seen some T18 installs reports where the installer had to cut a piece of the cross-member out to clear the drain plug or something but it was not needed on my swap. There are factory pre-drilled holes in the frame at the rear of the cross member. The holes are there for moving the cross member back to accept the T18 as well as other transmission configurations. There are factory pre-drilled holes near the center of the cross member also for the T18 transmission mount. The drive shafts have to be resized or replaced due to the increase in length of the 11.87" T18 and the 1" adapter plate. Due to the angle of the rear drive shaft, I opted to install a CV drive shaft from Six States Distributors and a new longer front drive shaft from Driveline Services here in Reno. Of course the T18 from a Jeep would be the cheapest route, but I could never find one, not even a bad one. The next route to go would be a Transmission from a 70's era ford light duty pickup. The most plentiful transmissions that I found were in Ford F100 2 wheel drives. They were also the least abused. Getting a transmission from a 2-wheel drive is a must for adapting to your Jeep because of the way the after market adapter bolts up to the back of the transmission. A Transmission from a 4-wheel drive will not work without major modification.
Some of the procedures necessary when you use an after market adapter with the Ford T18 are: 1- BUY A REPAIR MANUAL FOR A 73-86 Jeep CJ (Haynes is good). You have to completely tear down the Transmission. Put all your parts in labeled freezer bags and or tag the bigger parts to keep everything in order. 2- Replace the main-shaft (comes with the adapter kit). 3- Remove a large cast knob on the transmission case that interferes with the transfer case shifter (I used a 9" grinder).
4- Tap a hole through the rear of the transmission case for the fourth bolt of the adapter.
5- Tap and plug a hole that exists in your D 20 or D18 transfer case. The hole must be taped to 1/8 pipe and plugged with a flush pipe plug. The hole will be exposed with the new adapter.
As you can see this project is not for the faint at heart and could be a monumental challenge for most of us. I cut about a 4" piece out of the floor cover to accept the transfer case shifter being moved back. The transmission shifter was right at home in the old hole cut for the T150. I had the removable floor cover so it was easy to cut. Also the shifter from the T18 will work, you just have to heat it at the base and bend it to the right a little to clear your steering wheel. You also might want to shorten the shifter a little but this is up to you. If you go to an auto wrecker, ask for a 70's or early 80's Ford 2 wheel drive pickup with a 4 speed transmission. Throw in the phrase "with granny gear" If it's an old guy. My transmission came out of a 1973 F100. The Trans will say "T18" in bold letters on the drivers side of the transmission. You want a T18 not a T98 which looks similar. This has nothing to do with whether or not the T98 is a good transmission, It is simply for identification purposes. If you buy from a junk yard be careful not to pay to much. I paid $49.00 and a $15.00 core for a perfect... I said perfect T18 at "Pick and Pull auto wreckers" (pull it you're self yard). I can email you a copy of the receipt if you like. No parts needed to be replaced. Pull the shift tower and inspect before you buy. I figure you should pay anywhere from $50.00 to $150.00 and not more so look around. Try not to get in a big rush when building up your vehicles. That's when the parts dealers will take advantage of you. Ironically the adapter kit was around $485.00....whew!! Further reference: Offroad.com's T18 page.
Page Created by: CHRIS C. COPYRIGHT © CHRIS C. AND CALL ENTERPRISES 1999-2000 THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED 02/29/2004 This site is about my Jeep. My goal is to help you to better your Jeep through my experience. Thanks for visiting..... Trailhed.com DISCLAIMER: Any usage or adaptation of any or all of the information provided here or on any or all of my web pages is purely at your own risk. You must take into account your own circumstances and vehicle requirements when attempting to utilize any or all of the information provided on any or all of my web pages. I assume no liability or responsibility for any results, damage, or unforeseen circumstances related in any way to the usage or adaptation of any or all of the aforementioned information. Enjoy |
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