I have a '67 CJ-5 with the 225 V-6 and a Spicer 18 T-case. I want a new tranny and I was wondering what the best would be for my application and for adaptability to my Buick engine I have. I am wondering about the SM420, SM465, NP435, and T-18 with low first. Please tell me which would be the best to go with and which would be the easiest to mate to my 225 V-6. Thanks for your opinions.

Why do you want to replace your current tranny? Is it broken, or are you looking for better performance?

I want to replace my tranny because I figured out I don't have the T-18 as stated in my profile, I have the T-86, which is worthless and has a crap first gear of 2.79:1, and I would like at least around 6.5:1 or better so I can crawl better.

Because of length (and price), the fewer adapters, the better.

The 420 and 465 will mate up to the bellhousing, but will need a TC adapter.

The T18 (if Ford) or 435 will need adaptation on both ends.

A Jeep T18 or T98 may be the ideal solution, although they're not easy to find.

The SM420 is nice as the case length is only 10.5" long. It will bolt up to your 225 bellhousing. A bit of a pain sometimes as two bolts of the bellhousing to SM420 mount from the inside. The SM465 is nice - but hangs down lower but has synchro'd first gear - the SM420 does not. Also the 465 isn't quite geared as low as the 420.

Just be aware these are very basic tranny's and tend to make some gear noise - straight cut gears......

Because of length (and price), the fewer adapters, the better.

The 420 and 465 will mate up to the bellhousing, but will need a TC adapter.

The T18 (if Ford) or 435 will need adaptation on both ends.

A Jeep T18 or T98 may be the ideal solution, although they're not easy to find.


435 bolts to a t176 bellhousing. only needs one adapter. Is also only 10.8inches long

just curious, how did you think you had a T-18?

I love my SM420s. Its the shortest of all and its the lowest. Its still a cluncker when shifting but its also the cheapest to buy. I have had one in my last 2 rigs with no regrets!!!

JOSH

That junkyard in Ohio on the frontpage of this website has several jeep T-18's. My buddy bought one there about four months ago and he had several more.

The SM420 is nice as the case length is only 10.5" long. It will bolt up to your 225 bellhousing. A bit of a pain sometimes as two bolts of the bellhousing to SM420 mount from the inside. The SM465 is nice - but hangs down lower but has synchro'd first gear - the SM420 does not. Also the 465 isn't quite geared as low as the 420.

Just be aware these are very basic tranny's and tend to make some gear noise - straight cut gears......

What clutch do you use 225 and 420 trans?

T18 is cheap if you know how to do it. Start with a Ford T18 and a scout t18. Output and adapter from the scout box, toss the rest. Drill and tap the ford case for the scout D18/D20 adaptor. Follow directions on Novaks website for connecting to a buick bellhousing with a little machine work and no adapter.

You'll need to swap out to a big hole D18 if you don't already have one.

Ran this combo in my 225 powered cj2 before I swapped out to a TH400

I will be swapping an NP435 into my TJ soon. I'm actually going to pick one up tomorrow morning w/ an AMC bellhousing already on it.

One company I would definately give a call to is Novak Conversions. (http://www.novak-adapt.com/) They are incredibly helpful and probably make any adapters you need.

Of the above trannies I would run the one I get for free - for maybe $50. They are all super clunky and suck to drive on the street, but great on the trail w/the low 1st gear.

I had a 420 in my YJ. Got the job done but was a pain to daily drive. They are all beefcake trannies. I'm sure any one will work great. Its a great bang-for-your buck setup.

A friend has a T18 in his Willys w/a 225 oddfire and Dana 18. Works very well for him.