[mechetti]

Ok, so I finally found a T-176 to replace my blown SR4 in my 1980 CJ7. The T-176 I picked up was out of a 1983 CJ and has a bell housing attached. It also had a hydraulic Centerforce clutch with less than 1000 miles on it, which I also purchased. I want to retain the T-176 bell housing, so I don't have to tap new holes for the one with my SR4. Can I use the T-176 bell housing with my mechanical clutch? It looks like it has a fitting in the bell housing at the end of the fork for the hydraulic line.

Also, is there anything else I should think about during the tear down, like should I pull and replace the transmissions in or out of gear, etc?

[agear]

Hmm. I have a t176 and it's bell housing and original mechanical clutch set up that I had when my T5 transmission was in. Do you have a picture or image so you can point out exactly what you're talking about ? There is a fitting in the bellhousing ? Which end of the clutch fork ? The end of the fork that is inside the bell housing or on the outside ? On the inside : you're not mistaking the little cylinder thing that the clutch fork ball sits in are you ? I'm thinking you are. You have to put a gob of grease on the ball when you install it. You can have the transmission in neutral but I don't think it matters. Do you have a lift on your cj ? I have a 2.5 suspension lift and a 1 inch body lift. I was able to sit indian style under my cj (i'm 5'10) and put my transfer case after my transmission was in. I just picked it up and put the dana 300 input shaft splines over the output shaft of the T176 then lined up the 2 studs , that are on the dana 300, with adapter housing , which goes between the transfer case and transmission. The transmission will be much more maneuverable if you install the transfer case later so you don't have that 100 lb. cast iron unit hanging off the back of the transmission. That's the way I did it. I think you could put the tranny on a jack -have someone operate the jack, while you keep the transmission stable and maybe rock it a little to get it lined etc. You need to grease the splines lightly on the input shaft of the transmission( because you do not want grease on the friction surfaces of your clutch). And grease the pilot bushing/bearing on the inside a little. A little grease on the front bearing retainer , which the throw out bearing rides. Again not too much grease. Let us know if you need help along the way