401 and 4 speed tranny

[elowsma]

Ok, I have a frame off going. Already rebuilt the T400 but now think I need a 4 speed. Does any four speed transmission and transfer case make for a good swap; particularly if I am keeping the 401? 4L60 or 80, 700r, etc. Someone has had to do this reasonably successfully.

[66stepside]

I have the 401/T18/Dana 300 in my 66 that I swapped in many years ago.

The bell housing/clutch fork linkage is the same for the 360/401, the flywheel is specific to the 401 IIRC: the clutch and TO bearings are easier to source in this modern virtual age especially with the companies that are online (Novak, AA, etc.)

Ease? Probably moderate to difficult, but like with any tranny swap, it’s all about cost.

Make a list of parts and prices for your choices and see what the estimated cost of the swap will be and go from there.

There’s no putting a price on making a drivetrain combo that most others don’t have, though. I built mine to be my dream jeep truck at the time.


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[Stuka]

I have the 401/T18/Dana 300 in my 66 that I swapped in many years ago.

Pretty sure he means 4sp auto, since he names some off.

If you are keeping the 401, your best option is a 700r4. There are adapters to bolt it up to the AMC, and the OD and lockup are easy to control on a carbureted vehicle.

[66stepside]

Hahah, oops. The manual is my preferred transmission: at least until my knees give out.


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[fulsizjeep]

Which ever way you go, you will need to address balancing the flexplate/flywheel to the 401.

[will e]

What are your plans for the truck? Mine is a hobby truck so I kept the 3 speed and went with a 4 speed transfer case. Are you going to be doing a lot of regular driving or offroading? If you are doing off roading mostly I will give more details on why I went the direction I did.