T176 to auto swap

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nstevic01
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:03 am

T176 to auto swap

Post by nstevic01 »

I keep seeing threads about going from an auto to a manual, I'm actually looking to do the exact opposite. I currently have the 360 mated to the T176 transmission and an NP208 t-case in my 81 J10 Short bed. I know finding a donor vehicle would be ideal, but down here in Florida these trucks are nowhere to be found.

So Im looking for a list of parts to get me started:

- TH400 or maybe even the TH700R4 or any other auto trans that may work
- Transfer case (which one can I use and retain my existing drive shafts and axles - driver drop in front, AMC20 in the back)
- Steering Column from an auto
- Transmission tunnel cover
- ?
- ?

Even better would be to find someone that would want to meet up and swap transmission/transfer cases. Figured I would post here first while researching. I've already spent most of the day on Novak's site trying to figure things out.

Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated.
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Stuka
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Re: T176 to auto swap

Post by Stuka »

The only trans that will work without adapters is an 80+ TF727 from another FSJ. It bolts to your engine, bolts toy our t-case, and you can use a floor shifter if you want. You will need new drive shafts.

If you want to use any other trans, you need adapters. Yes, there was a TH400 that bolts to AMC engines, but your t-case won't work. 700r4 will work with your t-case (if its the right version), but you need an adapter to your engine.

Just depends how much you want to spend :) If it was me, I would go with a 727. Very common, plenty reliable. but HAS to be a Jeep version.
2017 JKU Rubicon
Pevious Jeeps: 1981 J10, 1975 Cherokee, 2008 JK, 2005 KJ, 1989 XJ
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tgreese
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Re: T176 to auto swap

Post by tgreese »

JMO - swapping vehicles would make more sense. There are plenty more Jeep trucks out there with automatics than manual transmissions. Something like a 10 or 20 to one ratio. Just find a suitable replacement truck, buy it and sell what you have. Jeep pickups do not go for big money like the Wagoneers.

Both the TH400 and TF727 are aold-school automatics that lose a lot of power and economy to internal slippage. Strong, but not very efficient.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.

Topic author
nstevic01
Posts: 38
Joined: Fri Feb 09, 2018 9:03 am

Re: T176 to auto swap

Post by nstevic01 »

tgreese wrote:JMO - swapping vehicles would make more sense. There are plenty more Jeep trucks out there with automatics than manual transmissions. Something like a 10 or 20 to one ratio. Just find a suitable replacement truck, buy it and sell what you have. Jeep pickups do not go for big money like the Wagoneers.

Both the TH400 and TF727 are aold-school automatics that lose a lot of power and economy to internal slippage. Strong, but not very efficient.
I thought about it, but for what I have in this now, it wouldn't make sense. Buying a truck with the drivetrain I want, in running condition, goes for between 8-20k down here with a good body and interior. Whereas I can just get the tranny, case, and shafts for under 1k. Plus I spent the better part of 2 years finding a decent one close enough to home, I can't imagine how much longer it would take me.

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tgreese
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Re: T176 to auto swap

Post by tgreese »

If I were you and wanted an automatic (unlikely), I would skip the AMC gear and go directly to a modern MPI Chevy V8 with overdrive automatic. You may as well make the truck more valuable in the process. To me, swapping from the scarce easy-shifting 4-speed to a plentiful antiquated automatic seems like an obvious value destroyer.

Someone will want your parts. People are always posting about conversion from automatic to manual.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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