AMC Eagle Den Forum
1979 - 1983 AMC Spirits and 1978 - 1983 AMC Concords => Spirit/Concord Projects => Topic started by: TwoEaglesForMe on April 21, 2014, 09:38:01 AM
-
So today I start my new project of swapping the broken SR-4 for a T-5. AX-15 is out of the question due to lack of funds and availability. Will post lots of pics and info as I go along. Should be fun and interesting. I didn't see much here on the forum on 2wd swaps so I hope my project helps out others too. Stay tuned...
-
I found a donor T-5 today on craigslist. Pulled the SR-4 from the car and took it apart to see what was broke. The main shaft was split in 2 and a bunch of gears missing teeth and a whole lots of broken pieces in the bottom of the case. Somebody did not love this car enough to treat it well. Anyway here are some pics of the 2 transmissions side by side.
(http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm338/GStockton_photos/amcamx003_zps952a896e.jpg) (http://s316.photobucket.com/user/GStockton_photos/media/amcamx003_zps952a896e.jpg.html)
(http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm338/GStockton_photos/amcamx002_zps6b0d5a9f.jpg) (http://s316.photobucket.com/user/GStockton_photos/media/amcamx002_zps6b0d5a9f.jpg.html)
(http://i316.photobucket.com/albums/mm338/GStockton_photos/amcamx001_zps7d6044f0.jpg) (http://s316.photobucket.com/user/GStockton_photos/media/amcamx001_zps7d6044f0.jpg.html)
So far everything I have researched has worked. I am using a clutch pack for an 83 CJ-7, part # 01-017. T-5 trans from a 1988 mustang lx 5.0, # 1352-169. Dorman pilot bushing 690-043. I ordered the steel bearing retainer from quadratec part# 52129.03 The trans mount I will have to fab up somehow, but I got one for the mustang part # EM2388. The flywheel is at the machine shop getting re-surfaced and should be ready tomorrow. The driveshaft fits no problems spline count is the same. I will however have to cut the floor back just a few inches to clear the shifter, but won't be noticeable due to the boot and carpet covering it up. Anybody have suggestions on the type of fluid I should use in this gearbox? I was thinking royal purple or some other synthetic brands. So far this swap is going quite smoothly and I can't wait to drive it. The speed sensors are different, so I will have to find one and adapt it. Also I will be installing the power steering, power brakes, and tilt column from my parts Eagle, as the Spirit doesn't have them. Till tomorrow........
-
Cool. What ratio is in the rear axle?
-
It is a 2.53. I probably wont even need 5th gear lol but at least now I can source parts down the road in case something happens. Seems the SR-4 went bye-bye long time ago. None of my 8 parts suppliers could find a clutch kit for it. Funny how they would put a small disc and 3 bolt pressure plate behind the 258 in that car, but use the more common 10 inch disc and 6 bolt pressure plate on everything else? This is my 2nd AMC to have a manual trans. My 81 FSJ Cherokee clutch kit was identical to the one I just bought today, held up great behind that 401 up to the day I sold it. I still kick myself for doing that.
-
Be wary of GL-5 fluids. I think the standard T5s can run GL-4 or Mobil 1 GL-5, which is safe for yellow metals. "World Class" T5s need a thinner fluid because of the bearings, something Synchromesh compatible. I can't say that I've ever run Redline or Royal Purple, I use Valvoline or Mobil 1.
-
In my Mustang days, we just ran whatever Dexron we could get in the WC T-5's.
-
Amsoil makes a nice ATF-like oil for modern transmissions that is still yellow metal safe. Look up what they say for the Stang on http://Amsoil.com
-
I am gonna use regular dexron 3 / mercon oil. The trans mount is a no go.. will have to figure out another way to secure it another time. Right now my project is going to be temporarily on hold. Will be back soon with more pics.
-
Well I finally was able to drive it around the block, but the engine went south on me. Lots of knocking and burns oil james bond style. Not sure what I am going to do with it now. At least the trans shifts smooth and no noises or popping out of gear. Stinks I was looking forward to the summer car show season with it. I guess I will look for an XJ donor and go injected, or maybe a 401. Decisions, decisions.....
-
Pull the valve cover and see if a pushrod is bent or valve is stuck. Pulling plugs should tell you which one.
-
Well I finally got back to this project and found a few bent pushrods. Replaced them, and they bent again. Seems there is a valve that's bent and is getting stuck in the guide. I did get to drive it for a few miles before they bent again, so I'm glad the trans swap worked out well. I am now moving on to an injected 4.0 from a 93 2 wheel drive XJ donor. This 4.2 runs good but just don't have any oomph. I would have expected it to boogie a little bit being in a light car and a stick shift. So that's where I am with this car. Now that I just got my SX/4 the engine will wait for now.