more transmission?

I have a 55 M38/A1, I've recently obtained a Buick 231 that i want to install .I have T-90/Dana-18 that came with the Jeep, and also a T-98/Dana-20 that came out of a 68 Jeep Gladiator. I would like to use the 98 but was told that i will have driveline nightmares,(being they will be too short).Is this a good tranny to use? I want to also use the D18 and would have to open up the bore to 4" to bolt to the 98 is there a problem in doing this?

 

I used the driveshaft that came out of a 66 CJ5 that was the donor for my T-98.

 

thanks for the input, i want to keep the d44 that i have, allready has disc brake set up, and also new bearings,ring and pinion, and the d18 is the 1.250" intermediate shaft, so wanted to keep also.I have not been able to locate a large hole case so that is why i am wanting to machine out my case, just need to open it up to 4". do you see any problem in doing this?

 

I think the T98 is the way to go, but get out your tape measure and check everything before you spend a lot of money. I recall that the Novak kit is for the Gladiators and Wagoneers and uses the stock long input shaft (what you have now) from those vehicles. This means that you have the original iron plate adapter on the T98 and the bellhousing adapter inline with the engine and transmission.

AFAIK the '72-75 258 with a T18 is the shortest stock driveshaft in these vehicles (ask TIm Harris?) - maybe the F4/T98 driveshaft is shorter... anyway, you certainly don't want to go any shorter than that length especially if you want to lift. You may end up needing to use a CV joint and tilting your axle housing a lot; may not be a problem, but measure first.

Why can't you use the case from the Gladiator D20? There are some differences in the shifter setup, but the gears go right in. I think your taking the harder route by machining your case - if the Gladiator case won't work, just buy a Dana 20 complete and use its big hole case. Check around - you should be able to get one for free or nearly free. This topic is covered in the archives...

 

This is the kit that I'm thinking of: http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/kit_c5.htm
It uses the stock 1" iron adapter, the Gladiator input shaft, and the 2" thick Novak adapter. Thus it would go the V6, V6 bellhousing, 2" thick Novak adapter, 1" iron Jeep adapter, T98, T98 to D20/D18 adapter (if present), and D20/D18.

 

I have the bellhousing that came with the 231 it has the pivot ball on the passenger side, the bellhousing has what appears to be 2 starter openings?The bellhousing bolts up to the T98, the T98 allready has a steel/cast 2.375"adapter bolted to what looks like another 1" adapter.Is this the combo you were talking about? I do have the offset d44 hence that is why i will use the d18, if i use the d20 tcase with d18 guts will i be able to keep the twin sticks? I've looked over both cases to do the swap the d20 has extra shiftrail boss in the rear and of course the large opening...........

 

Maybe - did the Gladiator have a Chevy engine? If it was a 230, 232 or 327 the original bellhousing would have bolted to the iron plate adapter I think.

 

Not to sure what engine but it was a V8.Was just a parts truck no engine ,bellhousing just trans/transfer frnt/rear ends.

 

thanks everyone for the info yall been giving me sure has shed some light. have anoyher ? on the bellhousing i have, it was the original unit bolted to the 231 that come out of a sunfire or starfire, it was bolted to a 5-speed, anyhow it bolts to my t-98. The only thing i noticed different is the pivot point is on the far side instead of the near side like normal. will this be a problem?

 

Was the Gladiator one of those that came with a Buick V-8?

 

Yes, but by that year (1969) the transmission would have been a T18. The 350 Dauntless had a fairly short run, '69, '70 and part of '71. The V8 could have been an AMC 327 (1965-67), but I'm sure that adapter would not bolt up to a Buick. The AMC 250/287/327 has a unique bellhousing pattern AFAIK.

A small block Chevy conversion was really common for the 230 OHC I6 (1962-65), those years would come with a T98, and the adapter could bolt up to a Buick bellhousing. In 1968, the possible engines were the AMC 327 V8 and the AMC 232 I6. The SBC swap was less common for these engines, but still possible. Neither of these engines would swap for a GM engine without an adapter plate.