want a cheap 4 spd to replace my busted 3spd in my cj. these are two trannys i wound locally so i need some input


borg-warner T-18 from a 2 wheel drive ford truck $100

4spd with t-case from a j-10 with a 252 straight 6 $ 400 (out of on '85 i believe)

ford np435 4spd 2wd $125

any help

How cheap is cheap??

No matter which of those you chose you will need to spend some $$ to adapt them and modify driveshafts.

even the 4spd out of the j-10?

even the 4spd out of the j-10?


The 4sp from the J-10 more than likely has the long input shaft on it and
to mate it to your CJ bellhousing you'll need to swap in the shorter input shaft.
That means taking the transmission apart.

...and getting the short input shaft.

All of the x-missions you mentioned have the same ford bolt pattern on the bellhousing as does the 3sp you have assuming it is a T-150. The guys above are right about the T-177 in the truck, you will need the shaft from a T-176. From the choices above I would go with the NP435 or the T18 with an Advanced Adapter kit for what ever xfer case you have. You will still have to change the output shaft in these xmissions, it comes with the kits. This still will not be cheap but these are way better xmissions with lower gear than the T170 xmissions.The only advantage to the T-170 is that it is syncronized in 1st gear. What you need to look for is a CJ T-18 that bolts to a D20 xfer case to make the swap easy. It should bolt to you bellhousing as long as you have the universal one even though the CJ T-18 has a different pattern. If you don't have the universal I've got one I'll sell for $50.00. Not really trying to sell stuff here, just thought I'd let you know I had one I don't need anymore.
Good Luck

how strong is the stock t-150? will it hold up to a 304 and 35s with 4.10 gears?

if the j-10 has a 6cyl like you said it does not have a long input shaft. It is 1" longer but bolts into a CJ with no problem this is one from a 6cyl sitting on the ground, I have been running it for 2.5 years now

I think it will be... The T150 came behind 304's - and everyone always says its plenty strong, although not as strong as a T18/NP435. Depends on whether you have a small block and wheel patiently, or if you have a big block and nail the gas everytime you see a tree. It's only downside is its horrible gearing.

Anyone wanna tear my statements up? :)

Like Quad Cam said the gearing is the issue with the T-150. Different versions of this xmission were used in Chevy full size trucks with 350s so they are strong but have a 2.99 to 1 first gear. The 435 is 6.69 to 1 and the T-18 is 6.?,(not as low as the 435 but close). The T-176-7 is somewhere around 3.5 to 1.

Ive built quite a few of the T-18 ford transmissions to adapt to the cj's. Its not hard or expensive if you can do these yourself. There are several web pages that go through the proceedure. I like the T-18's over NP435's they seem more stronger. Adapters costs around $400 or you might be able to come up with a core from a Jeep truck or waggy and use the output shaft and adapter with the Ford gears and input shaft...you will also need to re-locate you pilot bushing to the outer larger hole in your flywheel. Good luck. Ed

4spd with t-case from a j-10 with a 252 straight 6 $ 400 (out of on '85 i believe)

The problem isn't the length with this tranny, it's the output to the tcase. If it truly is out of an '85 (I didn't think T18s were in Jtrucks past 1980) it will have a New Process bolt pattern with an oddball output shaft spline count. The bolt pattern is the same as a Dana 300, but the spline count isn't.

I'd check it personally to see if the output bolt pattern is round or texas style. If it's texas you're ok and it will bolt to a Dana 20.

The problem isn't the length with this tranny, it's the output to the tcase. If it truly is out of an '85 (I didn't think T18s were in Jtrucks past 1980) it will have a New Process bolt pattern with an oddball output shaft spline count. The bolt pattern is the same as a Dana 300, but the spline count isn't.

I'd check it personally to see if the output bolt pattern is round or texas style. If it's texas you're ok and it will bolt to a Dana 20.

According to my notes, J-20s had t18s available up until they went out of production in 87. For 1980-87, the output would be standard 6-bolt pattern.

The problem, like SDCJ said, is the long input. (if from a v8)