1980 CJ7 Transmission Question

[mechetti]

I recently traded a 1970 Bronco that I owned for 22 years for a restored 1980 CJ7. The CJ has an AMC 360 V8 and 3.73 gears and 33" tires. I did a little research and I think the Jeep was originally a 6-cylinder and might have the stock SR4 transmission (bend in shifter). On Monday, I stepped on the gas and the transmission exploded. I have a few questions:

1) What are some options for a replacement transmission that can handle my power, gearing, and tire size (both auto and manual)? Clearly the SR4 was not going to work.
2) Is there a mechanic in the Raleigh area that has experience with CJ transmission conversions? I am not sure I have the tools or the time to attempt this myself. If I do take it to someone, I want it done right the first time.
3) If I do decide to attempt this myself, I might need to throw in a temporary replacement SR4 until I can get all the parts. Is there are pull yard near the Raleigh area that people can recommend?

Thanks in advance for the help.
Jared

 

[Baker]

Hit up transman31 I believe is his name on here I've heard he knows his stuff and is a nice guy although i dunno where he's located

 

[Tom@Hilltop_Machine]

The strongest that had a dana 300 case behind it will be a T176. Decent tranny but living behind a V8 with a heavy right foot it might not last long either. I would go with a T18 or a NP435 and an adapter for the 300 case.

 

[upnover]

I'd have no issue with using the T-176
I ran it in my old Jeep for years behind a 360
The odo quit 8years before I retired the Jeep. When it quit, it already had 240K on the clock.
When the Jeep was retired, the only thing original was the hood, frame and tranny.

 

[Pacfanweb]

The T 176 came stock behind the 304 in 80 and 81. It'll handle it.

 

[Tom@Hilltop_Machine]

The T 176 came stock behind the 304 in 80 and 81. It'll handle it.

True but the weak link is the aluminum case. It can distort under v8 horsepower and that lets the gears seperate and then boom.