Transmission Swap

I have a 75 CJ-5 with a 304 V8 with 3-speed manual transmission. I would like to go to an automatic transmission. Is there an easy swap to this like using a 727 transmission.

 

You can get a TF727 with a AMC bell patttern (A727), but I don't think it's a good choice for this application. The A727 was only used in Wagoneers and trucks, and always with a driver's side driveshaft/drop (DSD). The A727 will be very long for the CJ-5 wheelbase, and I suspect you will have interference problems between the front driveshaft and the transmission pan. These transmissions used a DSD New Process transfer case, including the NP208, 219, 228, 229. You'd have to figure out how to use a NP-pattern transfer case instead of your current Dana 20.

The A909 and A999 was used in the CJ-7 with a PSD and the Dana 300, but there the wheelbase is 10" longer than the CJ-5. You could likely put one in a CJ-5, but you may end up with such a short rear driveshaft that the swap will be impractical. Any lift, and forget it.

The GM TH350 is a more practical swap, since it is shorter than the Chrysler transmissions. You'd need an expensive aftermarket adapter for the transfer case, and I'm not sure how you'd adapt the 304 to a Chevy transmission. May be easier to just swap in a Chevy engine with the transmission.

So no, no easy/simple swap. Putting an automatic in a CJ-5 will be complicated. Doable, but complicated.

 

FWIW I have the same year CJ5. Hands down the best mod so far has been a 4 speed with a granny low.

 

I've driven a '75 with a 727. The engine, trans and xfer case were from a Wagoneer. It's do able, but I suspect the drive shaft was VERY short. Fortunately I didn't buy this one, and found a better one 2 days later. Swapped out the original 3 speed for a T-18 and like Zila said, the best mod so far.

 

Thanks guys, this gives me some things to think about. Maybe I need to go in another direction.

 

I know of two CJ5 Jeeps here in town with autos; one is a 904 the other a 727.
The 727 is in a 1975 CJ5; the front drive shaft is a two piece design to get around the transmission case; doable, if you know what you are doing.
The 904 has just a regular 1 piece front driveshaft.
Both work good, no problems.
All depends on what you want.