Novak VS Advance Adapters T18 To D18 Adapter Clocking....Confused

Novak, on their T18 to Dana 18 adapter page makes a claim about the way the Dana 18 is clocked using their adapter. Paraphrased: ...To install this adapter on the transmission, it will be necessary to drill and tap an additional hole in the rear face of the transmission case. A drill, 13/32" and 5/16" drill bits and a 3/8"-16 tap will be required. This process is simple and instructions, as always, are included. This method makes the resulting transfer case clocking angle better than otherwise available on the aftermarket, and more like the factory setup. Other adapters yield a transfer case that is clocked down and likely to offer clearance problems under the Jeep chassis....

I don't believe the Advance Adapters T18 to D18 mentions any drilling and tapping in their instructions.

I don't mind drilling and tapping.

So what gives? Does the Novak clock the D18 up higher giving me more clearance? I know its a short wheelbase so really the belly is generally not the issue but I would take a higher Dana 18 if it was a smooth install and didn't require insane floor modifications (floor modifications are no issue - just don't want to destroy the floor to clock it).

Any input on which adapter would be my best bet? I have a distributor that can get me the advance adapter for under $400. Don't know of any Novak dealers that can sell for lower than the site lists.

 

What will that do to the front drive-shaft to starter clearance

 

Call Novak and ask. Pretty sure they only sell direct.

Advance sells quite a bit through retailers. I recall Herm can get you a good price on AA stuff. You could call AA and ask, or Herm would likely offer his opinion too.

Wait a while and someone who's used these products will weigh in.

 

No experience with aftermarket D18/20 to T18 adapters.
I'm wondering why not just buy an OEM Jeep T18 adapter plate ?
That way the clocking stays the exactly the same.

 

The AA kit I used did not require any drilling. The adapter plate bolted to the existing holes in the transmission case. The transfer case doesn't appear to be clocked any lower than stock.

 

Like Ken mentioned above, why not just use a Jeep adapter that can be bought cheap? Or do you need a mainshaft also for the T18? I wouldn't want it clocked up any more because of possible driveline vs. starter issues.

 

New main shaft for t18 is needed. I have been happy with my AA SM465 to Dana18 kit. There are 3 patterns predrilled for clocking the transfer case. I installed an AA kit from T18 to Dana18 in my CJ5 years ago but no clocking options. Perhaps AA has them predrilled for 3 clocking positions now as well.

 

I do need the output shaft for my T18 as well as the adapter. Once things slow down at work I'm gonna have to reach out to Novak and see what they are talking about.

 

I used Novak's adapter, it worked great. I vaguely remember tapping an additional hole but it wasn't a big deal.

 

Thanks, Folks. I ended up buying a stock CJ setup. Got the shaft swap almost complete.