Replace The T14?

A stock 1970 CJ5 could have some pretty decent drivetrain parts: Dauntless V-6, 4" bore D18 and stout D44 rear axle. It also has the T14 transmission, referred to as a "light duty" transmission. What transmission(s) can replace it if a person wants something more heavy duty?

 

I'm near the end of swapping a Ford T18 into my '66.
My next project CJ3B will have a Jeep T18, that is ready to go.

 

Okay, good to know, thanks for your reply. Yes, I’ve read that 1st in the T14 is pretty tall. Do you ever drive around in low range? I suppose a person could put some lower gears in the D18.

 

Sounds like you’re keeping busy! Love those 3B’s!

 

I would not call the T-14 a "light duty" transmission. If you abuse it you can break it, but it's fine for the vehicle it was meant for.

It's not up to V8 power, but ok with the 225. If you want a stronger 3-speed, you could go with the T-15. The T-15 will hold up to V8 power pretty well, and was the standard transmission for Jeep trucks and wagons with the 360 V8.

 

I use the T-14 in my builds. Always seems to hold up well when not abused. The input shafts to the 225 V6s are a little hard to find.

 

I swaped in a sm465 in mine. It wasnt cheap but it was the best upgrade i have done so far.

 

an sm420 has a lower first gear, and is shorter, so that's another option, but you can find one made in the early 80's at BEST, so they're gonna need work. we've got a chevy with an sm465, and it's a rock hard transmission.

 

Cost of adapters + time to install + new clutch t/o bearing + mounting to tc crossmember + cutting/fabricating new floorboard and tranny tunnel + drive shafts/yokes +neutral safety switch and reverse light wiring.
Anything other than stock is a very involved process. There is no “easy” swap. The T14 is a great tranny behind a v6 or even a mild v8. No trans will last if abused. Jeeps are “light duty trucks” and the T14 is plenty adequate depending on driving style.

 

Coming from the guy how JUST posted about the SM465 swap in his early CJ. But you are correct.

 

I got the Jeep with the gm tranny installed.
I had a stock drivetrain ‘41 and ‘65 4cyl 3 speeds. And a ‘66 dauntless with a 3 speed. And I promise that the tranny was never the weakest link. I know I’ve spent too much time worrying about parts/mods. My new philosophy is to “enjoy it till it breaks and then enjoy fixing it”

 

Thanks again for the good reply. Yes, I was thinking about driving it on the street. I'm doing some advance homework on a vehicle I might be buying. I'm glad to hear the T14 is more stout than I thought, based on other things I'd read. I'd prefer not to have to put in a different transmission, sounds like that won't be necessary. I wondered if you put the Tera Low gears in the D18.

 

Thanks to all for the good replies! Glad to hear the T14 is more stout than I thought.

 

I'm going to disagree a bit.
I've seen a number of broken T14's, including my own. Mine lost a tooth on the input shaft simply driving. Parts are also hard to come by. I consider them a fragile transmission and the weakest link in the V6 drivetrain. That being said, I wouldn't pass up a chance to purchase a solid CJ on the grounds of the T14.
I upgraded to a T18 and never looked back.

 

I've had my fair share of T14's bite the dust
might have been to hard on them
yep the replacement parts are getting scarce

 

Any T14 you find now is like what.....50 years old? Age certainly takes its toll on these things and who knows how any of the previous owners treated it. It’s a crap shoot. But my T14, though worn (or maybe despite being worn) has never failed me. Running 33s for decades.

 

This would be a great choice, if you don't need/want a low 1st gear. Stronger than the T14, but similar in size so not a lot of modification to install. They can be tough to find these days, and you'd have to get an aftermarket adapter to the V6.