Spirit AMX SR-4 T-5 swap

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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...

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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.




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........

[eaglefreek]

Cool. What ratio is in the rear axle?

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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.

[BenM]

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.

[eaglefreek]

In my Mustang days, we just ran whatever  Dexron we could get  in the WC T-5's.

[carnuck]

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

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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. 

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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.....

[carnuck]

Pull the valve cover and see if a pushrod is bent or valve is stuck. Pulling plugs should tell you which one.

[TwoEaglesForMe]

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.