Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: In need of Bearing retainer

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Member
    #830
    Last Online
    August 21st, 2020
    Location
    St. Mary's Glacier/Alice
    Age
    53
    4x4
    2011 4dr Rubicon
    Posts
    3,116
    User Name
    glacierpaul
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    508
    Thanked 303 Times in 215 Posts

    Default In need of Bearing retainer



    I have a huge dilemma with my 1982 Jeep J-20, 4 speed T-18 tranny, 360 motor. Long story short, bell housing is cracked, entire clutch is shot, input shaft bent, bearing retainer broken. Have found everything, but the "only" bearing retainer I have found was the wrong size, damnit. The big problem is that AMC used about 11 different type bearing retainers for the T-18, and specifically the J-20. I have read in other forums about CJ owners using the T-18 as a swap, but they cannot use the bearing retainer for their application, so I am hoping someone may have what I need. If you have any leads or advice I am all ears and mucho appreciated!!!! Thanks in advance! My last ditch effort is to just have my machine guy make one, and then patent it and start selling new ones as partners.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Member
    #705
    Last Online
    July 16th, 2016
    Location
    colorado springs
    Age
    33
    4x4
    1988 K5 1999 MX5
    Posts
    1,329
    User Name
    Robert B
    Real Name
    Robert
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 43 Times in 39 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    hhmm removed my last statement as the info is very confusing

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Member
    #729
    Last Online
    December 19th, 2017
    Location
    Colorado Springs
    4x4
    2001 Jeep TJ Sport and 2002 SD 250 7.3 Diesel 4x4
    Posts
    268
    User Name
    Geno
    Real Name
    Gene Blohm
    Thanks Given
    6
    Thanked 16 Times in 16 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    If you could send down a picture and a schematic of the measurements to the .001 of a inch, we have FN JEEP used parts in Colorado Springs ,I could stop down there and see what they have.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Member
    #830
    Last Online
    August 21st, 2020
    Location
    St. Mary's Glacier/Alice
    Age
    53
    4x4
    2011 4dr Rubicon
    Posts
    3,116
    User Name
    glacierpaul
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    508
    Thanked 303 Times in 215 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    Thanks Geno, I have talked to them, they want pics and a part #. This will be the second time I have had a problem with the clutch and bearing retainer since I have owned the Jeep. Apparently Jeep had 11 different sized bearing retainers for the T-18 and the use of it in the J-20, a hodge podge of parts basically, so every J-20 is different. I have been told that if the exact same one that was original is not used, it could be why the bell housing is cracking and the clutch and input shaft are problematic. The last time it broke my mech found a similar one but had a part machined to make it work....it didn't, so now I am back to square one. My mech and machine guy have came up with machining a seal in the new wrong one I just bought, and maybe that will suffice. I just hate the idea of doing another clutch in less than 5 years, again.
    To be clear, the existing broke one that FN wants a pic of is wrong, I am at a loss. I am hoping to find the exact match or roll the dice on machining the wrong new one, it fits, just does not have front seal, crazy, this is the Jeep thing I don't understand .

    Sorry Robert B. for being confusing. My head is still spinning...

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Member
    #705
    Last Online
    July 16th, 2016
    Location
    colorado springs
    Age
    33
    4x4
    1988 K5 1999 MX5
    Posts
    1,329
    User Name
    Robert B
    Real Name
    Robert
    Thanks Given
    0
    Thanked 43 Times in 39 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    this is the first part of a nice looking information page on every t 18 and this kinda kills it for me lol

    Jeep T18
    Jeep released 12 known versions of the T18 transmissions from 1966 and 1984, with the greatest variations being in input shaft configurations and gearing. The battle of working with these is compounded if you did not actually witness the transmission's removal from the donor vehicle.



    from http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/t18_t19.htm

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Member
    #830
    Last Online
    August 21st, 2020
    Location
    St. Mary's Glacier/Alice
    Age
    53
    4x4
    2011 4dr Rubicon
    Posts
    3,116
    User Name
    glacierpaul
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    508
    Thanked 303 Times in 215 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    Exactly...I already talked to novak, I am surprised they don't make a fix, that is what I said about my machine guy and me making the varying 12 of them and start selling new ones, since there are apparently none available even if there are 12 to choose from .
    I have had guys tell me to just abandon the T-18, if I was made of $$$ I would . Just keeping these old Jeeps running is difficult.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Member
    #830
    Last Online
    August 21st, 2020
    Location
    St. Mary's Glacier/Alice
    Age
    53
    4x4
    2011 4dr Rubicon
    Posts
    3,116
    User Name
    glacierpaul
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    508
    Thanked 303 Times in 215 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    After talking with A1 transmission, they used to have a guy that worked with them who rebuilt these. He would drill out the shaft/seal and install/weld new shaft to work with new bushings and seals. This is what my machine guy is going to do, will post up how this turns out.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Member
    #830
    Last Online
    August 21st, 2020
    Location
    St. Mary's Glacier/Alice
    Age
    53
    4x4
    2011 4dr Rubicon
    Posts
    3,116
    User Name
    glacierpaul
    Real Name
    Paul
    Thanks Given
    508
    Thanked 303 Times in 215 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    Got her back today! Rides and shifts like a dream. The input shaft was bent in the middle, and the pilot bearing was definitely wore out
          

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Member
    #97
    Last Online
    May 13th, 2019
    Location
    Conifer, CO
    Age
    41
    4x4
    '92 Range Rover
    Posts
    7,000
    User Name
    Funrover
    Real Name
    Aaron
    Thanks Given
    79
    Thanked 141 Times in 121 Posts

    Default Re: In need of Bearing retainer



    WOW!!!

Similar Threads

  1. Axle retainer replacement
    By Shane in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: June 25th, 2013, 08:41 AM
  2. Trail Gear Trunnion Bearing Eliminator Kit Review
    By Brody in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: January 12th, 2012, 08:06 AM
  3. Trunion Bearing Damage
    By Chris in forum General 4x4 Tech Topics
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: December 1st, 2011, 04:05 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP