5-speeds in Scouts

[IHMagellan@domain.elided]

As you all know, the T-34, T-35, and T-36 5-speeds were not offered in 
Scouts, but there seems to be a lot of interest in retrofitting them.  I've 
told a few people about this, but I think this is the first public 
announcement.  I'm currently working on a conversion kit to install an IH 
5-speed with a Jeep Dana 300 in Scout IIs and Terras.  My plan is to have the 
first one finished in time to have the bugs worked out before Nationals.  If 
everything goes well I'm going to make the parts available in kit form.

So far it looks like the kit will include a new input coupler for the 
transfer case, an adapter to mount the transfer case to the transmission, and 
a transmission tunnel cover.  I'm going to try to retain the stock cross 
member, but I'm not sure that's possible.  If a new cross member is required, 
it will be included in the kit.  A custom clutch linkage may also be part of 
the kit.  Right now it looks like the total drivetrain length will be about 5 
inches longer than the stock 727/Dana 20 setup, so driveshaft modifications 
will be required.  Other options I may eventually offer include a short-throw 
shifter for the 5-speed, twin stick transfer case shifters, and 
tranny/transfer case skid plates.

I'll keep you posted on the progress.

Jerry Muncie