In 1976, Jeep introduced the compact and durable T150 transmission. The T150 would be the last 3 speed transmission offered by Jeep. The transmission was used for a mere 3yrs and proved to be quite successful behind the AMC 258 inline 6 and the AMC 304 V8 engines.
The T150 offers a completely helical cut gear set and is synchronized in all forward gears. The T150 would follow coarse with the T15 and offer a sliding clutch collar rather than sliding gears. This feature would prove essential for the strength needed to handle the bigger V8’s. The transmission gear ratios for this transmission are 2:99 1 first gear, 1.75:1 second gear, 1:1 third gear and 3.17:1 reverse.
The T150 case is cast iron as is the top cover and is retained by 8 bolts. The transmission measures in at 9.25” in over length and weighs approximately 85 lbs. The T150 may have the following casting numbers: 2603983 or 2603347 on the driverside. A further casting number of 2603357 may be located on the top of the transmission. The rear of the T150 was always a 1-3/8" x 6 spline output shaft for mounting to the input gear of the transfer case. The T150 was used exclusively behind the Dana 20 transfer case.
Unlike many Jeep transmissions before it, The T150 was mated to the bellhousing directly and did not use an adapter plate. The front bolt pattern of the T150 is uncharacteristic yet surprising common. The T150 actually shares the same bolt pattern as Ford. This bolt pattern is commonly referred to as the “Ford Butterfly” and measures 8.5” side to side and 6.25” from top to bottom. The T150 input shaft is also the same as Ford’s 10 spline 1-1/16” diameter. The similarities between the T150 and Ford are uncanny and clearly open some interesting interchangeability options. For example, the T150 will bolt up to a factory Ford “butterfly” bellhousing by using a special pilot bushing and by trimming the transmission pilot tip by 5/8". Likewise a Ford transmission like a T18 or a NP435 would bolt up to AMC bellhousing with a special pilot bushing. The T150 also makes a great candidate for a Chevy conversion and can easily be mated by the use of an adapter.
After 1979, Jeep discontinued the T150. The transmission served its purpose of handling V8 power while maintaining a very compact size required for the CJ5; however, the transmission did not appeal to the consumer. It was clear, American consumers were looking for more than just a three speed. The discontinuance of CJ5 for the longer CJ7 would allow for the longer more modern 4 and 5 speeds transmissions.