CJ7 Transmission Choices

[Msperlazza]

I just picked up a CJ7 with a pretty straight body that I'm planning on putting back together. The biggest issue is the transmission and transfercase are missing, and I'm trying to decide what would be my best option.

The CJ has a 4.2L, and the previous owner said it was originally a 3 speed.

I was thinking about doing an AX15 swap out of a newer jeep with an external slave, but don't know what transfercase I could use for passenger side drop. Dana 300 maybe?

Do you think i would be better off looking for a 3 or 4 speed out of a CJ or swapping in the AX15?

Any info/opinions is much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[RenegadeT]

Do you have the bellhousing on the engine? There are 2 different generations transmission/t-case offerings on CJ-7's that use different a bellhousing. Since you said 3-spd, I would guess you have the earlier 76-79 bell for either the T-150 3 speed or T-18 4 speed. Cheapest and easiest would be to find one of these with the factory CJ Dana20 (2:1 ratio) behind it. The 80-86 CJ's used a few more transmissions, 4 & 5speeds like the SR-4, T-4, T-5 and T176 with the D300 (2.62:1), and I think they all used the same 'newer' bellhousing. There are also 2 different skidplate/tranny mount crossmembers used.
I'm not sure about swapping newer YJ/TJ/XJ stuff, but the 4.2 is almost identical externally to a 4.0L, I think the bellhousing pattern is the same, you might just need a special bushing for the crankshaft end.

 

[rodcycle]

I have a t150 3 speed with a Dana 20 bolted to it I would sell ya cheap.

 

[Msperlazza]

The jeep is a 78 with the bellhousing still bolted to the engine. PM sent Rodcycle

 

[Tom@Hilltop_Machine]

If you plan on driving it on pavement a lot I would look into a 4 or 5 speed tranny.

 

[Jody Treadway]

The AX-15 will bolt right up without issue. You will need to swap out the pilot bearing for the proper diameter one. You can use the Dana 300 as well with use of a clocking ring/ spacer. The only headache you may encounter is adapting the CJ clutch pedal to the hydro set up needed for an AX-15. Not a big deal at all really. Just a custom length hydraulic hose and you'll be set.

 

[RenegadeT]

If you plan on driving it on pavement a lot I would look into a 4 or 5 speed tranny.

...and I wouldnt really consider the T18 a 4spd, more like a 3-spd plus agranny low

 

[rockcity]

The T176/D300 combo is actually a pretty decent combo and is affordable and is easy to mate up with factory parts.

Unless you plan on doing something crazy, I'd go with the T176 or even the SR4 or T5.