Which tranny is preferred?

[Steve_gorak_69]

I have a 73 CJ-5 with a 4.2 (might go with a 4.5 stroker, since I have a complete 4.0 laying around (no wiring)) that has a 3 speed manual. I am thinking about swapping out the trans/t-case for one of the auto's below and a D300 that I have laying around. The main goal is to use a many stock parts as possible without any adapters. Here are the trannies:

TF 727: I have read that these will bolt to the D300 fairly easily, but requires a lift (considering the suspension is SHOT, that isn't a concern). The hard part is the kickdown linkage and their availability.

TF 904/909: I can get the 904's and perhaps a 909 fairly easily. However, I have NO idea if any of them will bolt upto the D300 without an adapter. Plus, the 904/909 will require some minor fab work to get the kickdown linkage to work properly. The concern I have with the 904/909 is the weaker case issues.

TF 999: I think this tranny might be easier to find and require the least amount of fabrication to make the kickdown linkage to work. However, much like the 904/909, I do not know if it will mate upto the D300 easily or not. Though not as strong as the TF 727, it has a stronger case design than the 904/909. BUT, it might be too long for the CJ-5.

Let me know which combo would require no adapters and fit the CJ-5 the best. THANKS!

[jeepcj75]

both the 727 and 999 are long, but the 999 came stock on cjs so no adapters are required. buuut if you gonna do the stroker a 727 would be best bet but not sure if it would adapt.

[Hackfabricaton]

Originally Posted by Steve_gorak_69

...Let me know which combo would require no adapters and fit the CJ-5 the best...

In a word...None.

With the I6 and an auto trans you will have a rear driveshaft that is way too short to be of any use. You're gonna have to consider moving the motor or the rear axle or both. That's why Jeep never offered an auto in the CJ5.

That being said, if you still want to plow away with the auto, I'd scrap the I6 and get yourself either a 4.3, 5.0 or 5.7 Chevy. Put the TH350 on it and move the motor forward. Obviously the 4.3 would give you much more room to play with. Only adapter you're gonna need is the Tcase. And motor mounts. And skidplate/crossmember mods. And driveshaft mods....

If you had a CJ7 it would be easier.

[kingmick217]

I believe you can get a 999/998 out of an Eagle wagon with the bolt patterns that will work for you. I am not sure however if it is a 21-spline or the 23-spline out-put shaft, (you need the 23). You can change out the shaft if you're up to it. It would be a good source for the kick down linkage anyway. Lokar Performance (sp?) also has a cable set-up for the kick-down linkage available.

Now what I would do...
Go with a 998/d300, 2.5" to 3" of lift, a little fender trimming, 33-35" tire, and push your rear axle back a bit.

Hope this helps.

[na83cj7]

The 727 904 999 will all bolt to the D300. The 727 being the strongest and having a bigger input shaft over the 904.

[BLACKCJ5]

due to length id get a t18a and call it good

[na83cj7]

X2

[bjb]

999

[Steve_gorak_69]

S-I-G-H! I found a cheaper 727 and found a 999 in the local yard Time to post a different question along with another question or two or three

P.S. Due to the d-shaft concerns, I will most likely move the rear axle back.