Re: Final question on T-18 vs T-19

[Curt Cleavinger <rcleavin@domain.elided>]

I agree completely with Steve. I've driven a T18, a close T19 (briefly), and a wide
T19. My opinion is that both of the T19s are superior to the T18, and not just the
syncro in first/reverse. The T19 seemed to have a tighter feel while shifting,
while the T18 has a very long shift motion (seemed like you moved the top of the
shift lever at least 2 feet - I'm sure this is partially due to the T18 having a longer
shift lever, but I don't think that accounts for all of it). Maybe my T18 was worn out,
but it didn't have a detent going into reverse, and shifting into 3rd without grinding
was always a bit of a challenge - non-syncro 1st on one side, non-syncro reverse 
on the other. I just found both models of T19 to be genrally more comfortable to 
shift. Also, offroad the lower 1st gear of  the wide T19 makes a big difference - it's 
much lower.

Later,
  Curt

>Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 01:53:38 EST
>From: SLarsonIH@domain.elided
>Subject: Re: Final question on T-18 vs T-19
>
>Scott,
>
><< What do you think. I am especially eager to hear from people who have
>driven these. >>
>
>When I got my 74 Scout II, it came with a T-18 close ratio. Now, I had 3.73
>gears with 31x10.5x15 tires on it. Both 1st and second were worthless to me.
>1st was too low, and 2nd was too high to start out from a stop. At one point
>the T-18 started making noises, so since I wanted a lower gear for rock
>crawling reasons, I found a T-19 wide ratio. It is great. 2nd is perfect for
>starting off from a stop, and 1st works great off roading. Oh, and I love that
>1st is synchro'd too ! I have since put on 33x12.5x15 tires and it's still
>perfect. I kept the T-18 as I found out that the problem with the T-18 was
>that the tailshaft nut had been backing off. It's there if the T-19 breaks.
>
>YMMV
>
>STeve