'74 Cj5 304 T18 Shifter Feel Question...

The vehicle I have in my care has a hard time finding third. The stick has no resistance side to side, (modern transmissions typically self center in the 3rd/4th gate) even into reverse. Is there a centering detent or does the shifter rely on the reverse piston as a third gear guide?

 

I currently have 2 jeeps with the T18 and theyre both that way, granted they've likely had a lot of use without any rebuilds, but i assume its normal. Muscle memory.

 

That's the way mine feels also. I purchased a rebuilt top some years ago and it was the same way. However, I have driven one or two with some type of spring to self center.

 

The reverse spring wears out/breaks in the T-18 top. It was a mandatory replacement in every T-18 I modified/rebuilt. Probably in the vicinity of at least a hundred and probably more.
That spring keeps the shifter centered and keeps it from moving in positions it shouldn't be. Almost all of them are collapsed or broken into little pieces unless replaced.

 

There exists a T-18 shift top parts kit, containing that spring and a lot of other small parts. This one - T18 & T19 TRANSMISSION TOP COVER SMALL PARTS KIT FITS FORD JEEP INTERNATIONAL (SP18-50Y) - you should be able to buy it through your local transmission parts supplier, or one of the Jeep specialists like Parts Mike or Novak.

I did this to my T-18, replaced that spring (broken in many pieces, as Nick says) and it improved the gates of the shifter a lot.

 

6.020-4

 

Hi Scott - welcome from Boston!

Yes, the reverse piston is supposed to keep you out of the reverse gate when you shift into 3rd. If the spring is in good shape, you can avoid clipping reverse from 2nd by just letting the shifter move to the right side of the neutral gate, and then moving forward. These transmissions are not fast shifters, even when in top condition.

 

Thank everyone so much! The owner of the Jeep had just purchased it and had concerns. I've owned a few beaters in my day that were really vague shifters so I could find it easy enough, but he couldn't get in third to save his life. I've ordered the top kit and will be going through the cover.

 

Welcome Scott from northeast georgia

 

Bad thing i read that....now i need to solve mine ahahah

 

I was thinking the same thing.

 

Here's the update. Ordered the top parts kit from the link above, pulled the shifter top off and began hammering out roll pins. Once I got the reverse gate piston out the spring was in 3 pieces. Going back together I almost flummoxed myself by not having the reverse gate in the groove inside the cover. This is important and very easily overlooked.

Once back together 3rd is now easily findable, however I feel like that spring could be a good bit stiffer as you can crash right past it in a hurry. Doesn't help that this thing has a two pound metal hand grenade as a shifter knob.

Thanks a ton, guys! You've made for a happy customer!

 

Yes. The T-18 shift pattern changes in 1978 or 1979 and puts reverse by 4th, solving this problem. Glad it helped!

 

Yes mine has reverse down by 4th and it's a 79 model. Top hat feels as tight as new

 

I got both version with the short shaft and 6.32 first speed...

 

Timgr where did you get the transmission control cut sheet? Do you have a link to the manual?

 

Jeep '74-80 factory parts manual. Not available online, except for purchase. There are some parts manuals at www.oljeep.com - you might find a similar drawing in one of those.