Random Tech Questions

[tommy53002]

You can't use a pre-1980 cj transmission without an adapter to D300.

Dodge np435 + ford input shaft + $25 pilot bearing + drill + steel works. Search for dodge 435, I think it's in my build thread.

Who is correct? will a pre 80's jeep t-18 work w/out adapters or not? That seems like a good alternative if i can find one.

you are forgetting the torque converter. generally, it contributes 2-2.5x torque multiplication. manual transmissions are for losers and weenie motors. a 258 has more power than sharpe's old diesel turd. i still dont see how a transmission swap is cheaper than any other option.

well the 4 to 1 kit is around 800 dollars and i believe a tranny swap could be done in the $400 range if i can avoid spendy adapters.

I realize an auto will not necesarily lower my gear ratio but it does seem to allow you to control your rig more (ie. not bounce from rock to rock or stall as easily from riding the breaks). Last weekend i wheeled with two guys who had nearly identical drivetrains except one was running an auto and the other a manual. the guy with the auto did fine while the guy running the manual was in the same boat as me.. ?

Ill do some reading on the dodge np 435.