T-18 Transmission Adapters

[Explorerdude]

Hey guys,
After much research, today I found out that my automatic(A4LD) is doomed and that even if I get it rebuilt when it goes up, it will need attention soon after that. (Even with heavy duty parts) Dead Link Removed

So my next question was what manual transmission could I put in my explorer. I was told that the only ones that have the same bolt pattern were the Mazda and Mitsubishi and that both of them are not too reliable, pricey and not worth it.

Now I have focused my attention to finding out what I need to do to be able to put a T-18 trans in my truck. I have a friend who can make me adapters so all I need is the dimensions for them.

What are the consequenses of making adapters for transmissions and T-cases??

Would I need to cut down my bell-housing??

Would a clutch out of a wrecked explorer work with a different transmission??

Do you have to match up the transmission and clutch??

Would I have to cut down my driveshafts??

Does anyone know of anyone or anywhere I could contact to get blueprints(deminsions) of the transfercase and flywheel??

Any input would be appreciated.

Joe Dead Link Removed
94 Explorer XLT
4" Superlift Suspension
33X10.50 BFG AT KO's

 

[SteveVB]

Joe,

Im no machinist but here's my impressions FWTW.

If I were to do this swap I would find a ransfer case that matches the t-18,a Dana 20, 300, some of the NP cases out of ford trucks, or if you want to spend money an Atlas. The drive shafts would have to modified anyway and the trans crossmember would most likely have to be moved also. So you save having to mate to the BW case and may pick up some strength and lose the push button too!.
The engine to trans is more difficult. You would need to have a new input shaft made to match the length of the Exp. bell housing plus any adaptor plate to actually bolt the two together. Plus the pilot shaft/bushing would have to be modified to fit the 4.0l crank hole. You would need a Clutch disc with splines to match T-18 shaft with a dia to match explorers flywheel.

The actual physical size of the tranny is something to look at also, but a body lift would be the easiest fix for that.

I dont know of a source for the dim. you want. Advance Adaptors, Novak, Duff may have some info- they do alot of swaps and adapters.

If you have to go through all of that trouble I would seriously consider putting in a 5.0L +T-18+NP???(dont know the TC in the pick ups) combo, basically the drivetrain from a 1/2 ton pick up. Most likely cheaper and less headaches than making multiple adapters.


Steve VB
sticken with the FOUR OH and the A4LD

 

[Explorerdude]

The 5.0 is a concideration. Do you think a conversion of transmissions would be harder and more costly than an engine swap?

Thanks for the input!!

Joe Dead Link Removed
94 Explorer XLT
4" Superlift
33X10.50

 

[SteveVB]

I dont think that a transmission conversion would be that much harder than a engine swap. I do think that the amount of additional work/money to install the V-8 would be equal to the work/money/hassle of adapting the trans to the 4.0L engine. Basically if you can get a good deal on the whole engine/trans/trans case out of a pick-up or FS Bronco then all you need is engine mounts, drive shafts, trans crossmember. To do a tranny sway you need to get the crossmember and driveshafts anyway, so the additional work is for the engine. That additional work is work which would have gone into getting adapters and shafts made and installed for a tranny swap. You also have a drive train combo which you won't have to worry about whether it works together using time consuming and expensive adapters.

Joe, These are my impressions, I have not done anything like this to my vehicle, but if I were to do something along these lines this is how I would go about it.



------------------
Steve VB
91 Navajo
2 1/2" Rancho,
31" Goodyear AT/S

 

[oharris]

Explorerdude,
I'm thinking about doing something similar when my trans or engine finally goes. My plan is to use a Mustang 5.0, F-150 5 sp trans and transfercase. This would give me a granny low and OD 5th. Please post your results if you go this route, I would like to know potential pitfalls.

Oliver Harris
'94 Explorer XLT, 5sp, 4x4