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Akjeff's Jeep Gets A New Transmission

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by AKjeff, Jan 15, 2021.

  1. Jan 15, 2021
    AKjeff

    AKjeff Member

    Carson Valley, NV
    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    162
    Well it's new to the Jeep anyway.

    Today I took @OldAdobe up on his kind offer to allow me to rehome an SM465 that he had. This will be going in my '74 CJ5 when I get around to putting it together.

    While we were loading the transmission into my truck it was commented upon that pictures were needed. I left the transmission in my truck for the night, I'll get some pictures tomorrow after I unload it and pop the cover to inspect the internals.

    Thanks again OldAdobe, I enjoyed the visit.
     
  2. Jan 15, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    those are a fairly good transmission, reasonably short. an sm420 would be better, with a deeper first gear and a shorter overall length. however, if you got that thing cheap, it's a good deal, and a very solid transmission. are you going to swap a smallblock in while you're at it? :sneak:
     
  3. Jan 15, 2021
    AKjeff

    AKjeff Member

    Carson Valley, NV
    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    162
    I had an SM420 in an old Chevy pickup. The gears were noisy on that one, I assume it's a trait of that gear box. I've owned two of these SM465's and there is no gear noise.
    I do prefer the shift pattern on the 420, it's pretty easy to hit low and reverse to rock the vehicle when you're stuck.

    I've considered a small block swap but really don't need the power and I don't want to put in the work.
    If I were looking at a V8 swap it would probably be a Ford small block with a Ford four speed, I prefer the distributor in front for engine placement.
     
  4. Jan 15, 2021
    Mr Vaughan

    Mr Vaughan

    if you have had just one transmission that happened to have an issue, it doesn't mean that the gearbox inherently has an issue, it may just mean that it needs work. what year chevy?
     
  5. Jan 15, 2021
    AKjeff

    AKjeff Member

    Carson Valley, NV
    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2017
    Messages:
    162
    I put the trans in the truck, I don't know what year it was. I thought it needed a rebuild but I had a mechanic listen to it, he said it was the nature of the beast.
    If I could test drive another one to see if that one was unusually loud I might be interested, I do like the shorter length.
    I'm not going to put the money into adapting a gear box that I've had issues with in the past, when there are alternatives.

    Years ago I installed a NP435 in my CJ7. I loved the tranny but this one has a lower 2nd gear ratio. It will be easier on the clutch if I increase tire size.
     
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