[ctorj]

If the frame is a 79 then the correct skid plate is the one standing up in the picture. 79 and below on years. The one laying down is 80+ and not right for the T18.
If you mount the skid plate to the transmission and it is to far back from the holes in the frame by up to an inch then your motor mounts are shot. If its to far to the left or right then its possible you are using the wrong holes for the tranny mount. Remember the Engine and transmission sit to the drivers side a slight bit. If you order the Barnes skid plate it does not have a spot for the transmission mount and you will have to fab one up.

 

[ctorj]

As John said both will bolt to the frame. Its the shape that matters with the transmission. When I get a chance I will try to get you some pictures of location of bolts.

The amount and location of bolt holes on the one standing up is original. That was for when AMC made them they just had a pile that can take one and put it on a jeep with any stock combinations of transmission and transfercases

 

[ctorj]

Here's my '81 with a T-19 ( same dimensions as a T-18) and D300, looking towards the rear. The factory skid bolted right up.

I've found that if I get all the bolts started with just a few threads, then tighten each bolt up a few turns at a time, there was much less fighting it.

View attachment 4157415

Good luck,

Matt

Matt The jeep T18 is 4 or so inches shorter then the Factory Ford T18/19 and the transmission mount location is higher up. That is why the 79 and below is shaped so much different.
And for curiosity, Matt what did you do for the 4wd shifter? On my friend 84 we did the exact same set up as you, Ford t19,dana 300 31 spline input shaft and clock ring a few years ago. I know we did something temporary for the 4wd shifter but I can't remember what we did (it sucks!).

 

[ctorj]

I didn’t have to do that i rotated the transfercase down one bolt hole. I didn’t realize you didn’t make the stick come up in the stock location. We did.

 

[ctorj]

Hmm then I am not sure what the issue we had.

 

[ctorj]

The transmissions are the same length. The Jeep T18/Dana 20 combination is shorter than any T18/Dana 300 combination. The actual transmission case lengths are identical between Jeep T18 and Ford T18/19.

That is not how I was explaining it CSP. You are correct that just the cast iron case is the same length. If you do as Matt did then the over all length of a ford T19 with its aluminum tail housing and long main shaft, Makes the Ford T18/19 Longer then the jeep T18. The transmission mount is also in a different location.

 

[ctorj]

Jeep made at least 12 versions of the T-18, with the main difference being the input shaft length and gearing. Early versions had a bell-housing adapter, which was eliminated on later models. Both Ford and Jeep T-18s require an adapter for either the D20 or D300 t-cases.

There is no difference between the adapted length of a Jeep and Ford T-18s. The main case is the same length and the adapters are the same width. So, I'm not sure what the previous post is all about.

Matt

Matt lets clear this up.
Did you use a Novak t18/19 adapter setup or did you use the factory ford setup?
If it is the Novak setup I stand corrected on the length for your set up. This also explains why I never ran into the clearance issues like you did.
If it is the factory ford setup with the tail housing that comes on a T19 out of a Ford truck then the lengths CSP listed are not what I was talking about. I was going off Matts picture and it looked like the factory Ford setup at that angle and this is where I was talking about the Length. Also the tail housing of a transmission is considered part the the transmission. I am very well educated if all the differences of the T18/T19 Ford vs Jeep and many other transmissions.

This thread was about a crossmember I helped him with the crossmember question because I have the exact same set up as him.