Transmission for 1975 CJ5 w/ 258?

[billkiene]

What are some of the choices of transmissions for this Jeep for some hwy and some mild off-roading?


I am trying to design the end machine before I buy a Jeep CJ5 to do a frame off restoration.

So far I am leaning towards a 1972-1975 Jeep CJ5 with a AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l I6.


Thanks for any incite....

 

[jp360cj]

Define "highway"....55-60mph 2 lane, 70+mph interstate, etc?

The 72-75s are certainly neat years, but will be much more difficult to do a restoration on. A few parts interchange with 76+ CJs, and even fewer parts interchange with the more common 78+. Some parts are the same/simliar (or interchange with) the 71 and older. A lot of parts are unique to the 72-75 years and can be difficult to find and expensive when you do. That being said, I would love to get a hold of a '72-'75 CJ6 (had one for parts but it would have been more of a project than I wanted so I let it go).

As for the Transmission , If you are doing a true restoration, a 72-75 I6 came with a T-14 3 speed. If you just want something period correct, a T-15 3 speed from a V8 (or a T-150 3 speed from a 76-79 CJ) will do fine for general cruising.

A T-18 from a 77-79 CJ will have a 6.32 granny gear that works great offroad and drives like a 3 speed on the road. A FSJ T-18 , Ford T-18 , or Ford NP435 will also work with some modifications.

But IMO, the best all around option for a CJ5 would be a T-176 4 speed out of an 80s CJ with a Dana 300 behind it. If you end up with a CJ7 (or 6 or 8) there are several other options, including 5 speeds.

 

[billkiene]

Thanks for the wonderful info jp360cj.

I will get back to you about that.

I am looking at the 1975 and older because of the California smog laws.

I recently did a 2 year frame off rebuild of an air cooled VW dune buggy so after that I do know quit a bit about that world. The Bugformance staff in Sacramento has so much knowledge and help me a ton.



Is that T-176 you talk about a granny low gear or regular 4 speed?


I am so glad I found this Forum............

 

[Torxhead]

Billkiene, the T-176 tranny has a 4 to 1 first gear, which is excellent on the street. There are a few granny low gear manual transmissions that will work in your CJ. You can get a lower Transfer Case ratio also. Hopefully you have a good rear axle ratio that will work good on the street. On my '86 with a aftermarket fuel injection, I have had few issues with Ca. smog rules. Post up some pics of your CJ.

 

[billkiene]

Thanks TorxHead

I am actually reaching now to get my total Jeep figured out before I buy one.

Am excited about the good help from this Form.....