AMC Jeep Transmission Guide: T-150 vs T-176 vs T-18

So you’re tired of your 3-speed transmission, or you just blew up your SR-4. Which gearbox belongs behind your AMC V8 or Inline-6? Let’s break down the best options for the 1976-1986 CJ series.

The T-150 (3-Speed)

Standard on CJs from 1976-1979. It’s tough as nails (cast iron case), but having only 3 gears makes highway driving miserable. Great for a farm Jeep, bad for a daily driver.

The T-176 (4-Speed)

The ‘medium duty’ option found in 1980-1986 CJs. It’s a great transmission for mild wheeling and street driving. It has a synchronized first gear (unlike the T-150) and decent ratios. If you have 33-inch tires or smaller, this is the one you want.

The T-18 (4-Speed Heavy Duty)

The Holy Grail. Found optionally in CJs from 1976-1979. It has a ‘granny low’ first gear (6.32:1) that lets you crawl over walls at idle. It’s heavy, shifts like a truck, and is virtually indestructible. If you run 35s or bigger, find a T-18.