Re: [AMC-list] OK, I now admit it, the T-96 sucks

[Frank Swygert <farna@xxxxxxx>]

Yeah, anything more than "granny driving" and you find that trans lacking. I do know that the top two bolts on an SR-4 (T-4) will match the top ones on the T-96 bell, but the bearing retainer is bigger on the T-4/T-5. You have a mill, so can fix that "problem". I thought about using a piece of 1/8" plate between the trans and bell with 3/4"-1" flanges bent on each side towards the trans to stiffen it. Bolt the plate to the bell using the bottom two trans bolt holes. Might have to grind the front side of the trans or thin the bolt heads for clearance, not sure. Use nuts and bolts for the bottom of the trans. Since you would be keeping the bell mounts I don't see where any more reinforcement would be needed, but a pair or straps could be mounted on the bottom trans bolts and extend to the back of the engine. The trans should just hang there like the T-96, which is heavier (at least with OD). 

By the way, T-4s were used in early 84 four cylinder XJ Jeeps, but I don't think there was a 2WD version until 85 or 86. Later 83-91 four cylinder models used an Aisin Warner AX4 or AX5. One of those may work also. 

---------
Date: Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:25:43 -0700
From: tom jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>

OK, you can't say I didn't give it a chance. It's still working fine, or, as
fine as a T-96 can. It is by far the slowest thing in the car. It's really
holding it back. It's just so damn slow to shift! There's nothing wrong with
the synchros or the oil I used, as far as I know. I checked all the
clearances and it was all new parts. It just shifts slooooow! If you move
too fast it get chunky. (The spec for maximum synchro stack clearance is
.094" -- a tenth-inch oil film is all that drags the gear up to shaft
speed.)

And a four speed would really help get some work out of this motor. I'm
having a blast driving this car, still, and it's very nimble in traffic,
something that comes as a surprise. A 100% perfect suspension, good fat
tires and oversized brakes makes all the difference.

So back I go to finding a cheap T-4, but I wish there was a side-shifted
trans that would fit. And thoguh I hate to give up Twin Stick, I'll probably
do it (and save all the parts!).

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AMC.html
(free download available!)


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