1985 Cj7 4 And 5 Speed Manual

What determined whether a CJ7 got a 4 or 5 speed? I just bought a 85 CJ7 Laredo that has a 4 speed. I'm assuming they are T4's but I have seen some other Laredo's with 5 speeds in them.

 

Some have T-176s. Is it a a 150 or a 258? If a 258 it could be a T-176, not a T-4. That would be a significant upgrade from the T-4. The T-5 5-speed was optional - looks like you could get that with any engine. If I had my choice, I'd take the T-176 over the T-5.

Do you have the TSM? That will tell you more. Most years are available on CD-ROM inexpensively, but apparently not for a 1985 CJ-7. Faxon has this - 1984-1986 Jeep CJ-7 & Scrambler Repair Shop Manual Reprint 2 Vol. Set M.R.252

 

It is the 258. I don't have it in my possession yet. I was told the position of the shifter is a good indicator of what trans it has. Its definitely a 4 speed based on the vin.

 

T-4's and T-5's the shifter is in virtually the same location. T-176 is more forward iirc. SR-4 is very similar to the T-4/T-5 but slightly different.
The best of the lot is the T-176 as said above. For a Jeep seeing normal duty it holds up quite well if kept in good conditions. The SR-4 is the weakest of the bunch. I won't bother rebuilding either an SR-4 or T-4. The T-5 isn't a bad car application but is not good in a Jeep. I've seen far too many broken or worn beyond realistic repair. I will rebuild one but the owner better have deep pockets as parts are getting scarce and expensive. The gears are almost all different from car applications due to tooth count (gearing) differences and other changes made over the years. If bone stock and used like a car, and well maintained the T-5 can survive. If abused, it's not a matter of if but when it will need attentions. 2nd and 5th gears are almost always worn out by the time I see them for a rebuild.