AdaptersAdapting the
Muncie SM465
to the
Jeep Dana Model 300 Transfer Case
Our SM465 to Dana 300 conversion makes for a very refined, expansively geared and extremely durable assembly both on-road and off-road. It has become one of our most popular manual shift transmission conversions into Jeeps, providing a compact geartrain, a very low crawling gear, compatiability with excellent engines and ease of installation.
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Option I: Transfer Case Input Shaft VersionThe Adapter
The Novak SM465 to Jeep Model 300 transfer case adapter is very compact at only 3.2" long for a combined transmission and adapter length of 15.2". The adapter itself is cast and machined of a high-grade aluminum alloy, featuring thick flanges, a heavy cross-section and strength-adding gussets.
SM465 Versions
Any version (2wd or 4wd) and year of the SM465 can be adapted to the Dana 300.
There are three versions of the SM465 transmission, and one of our two choices of adapter kit should be chosen accordingly.
Option I : Transfer Case Input Shaft Version
The simpler version of our SM465 to Dana 300 adapter is for the early 4wd SM465's that feature a 10-spline rear output shaft that protrudes 2-5/8" from the rear face of the transmission case.
These versions of the SM465 are essentially ready to bolt up to our assembly as the required style of output shaft is already installed. This kit is our #463 adapter assembly (right, upper), which includes a new 10 spline input shaft for the Dana 300 transfer case. This shaft is compatible with and splines directly to the OEM output shaft. The included Dana 300 input shaft is machined from triple-alloy gear steel and provides a superior upgrade.
It is not requisite that you rebuild your Dana 300 to successfully complete the conversion, but it may be a good time to do so if your transfer case leaks or has many miles of service. We've made our Dana 300 gaskets & seals kits and our all inclusive master rebuild kits available for this purpose.
Option II: Transmission Output Shaft Version
2wd & later 4wd versions of the SM465 should receive our mainshaft version of our adapter kit. Use of our #463R kit is recommended in these instances (above box, lower). The included, 23 spline SM465 output shaft is machined from triple-alloy gear steel and provides a superior upgrade. This shaft is compatible with and splines in directly to the OEM style input shaft in the 300 transfer case. This requires disassembly of the transmission. This is commonly done by our customers. The basic installation is a bench job and may include simple gasket and seal and bushing replacements. Some choose this as the time for a more thorough master rebuild of the Muncie 465 transmission.
Note that this kit will work perfectly well with an early 4wd style 465, should you wish to install a new mainshaft to replace a factory mainshaft.
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Transmission Rear Mount
This transfer case adapter's design is based on Novak's Universal Series adapters that feature a modular mounting and support system. Included with the adapter kit is a steel base that is a highly configurable mounting foot, and is ready to accept our industry standard urethane isolator mount, available for purchase (below). This is our preferred rear mount unit. Our #463 kits are designed for it, and its usage is essential to protect powertrain components from the flex and jar typical of any automobile, but especially Jeeps.
Whether you are assembling onto a stock cross member / skidpan or if you are setting up a high-clearance skid plate, you will find it to be a clean and simple process.
Transfer Case Strength and Condition
The Dana 300 is a perfect match for the SM465. They are uncommonly strong, feature good gearing and are compact and servicable. They are capable of power ranging up through V6s, V8s and even the Chevy Big Blocks.
It is not requisite that you rebuild your transfer case to successfully complete the conversion, but it may be a good time to do so if your transfer case leaks or has many miles of service. We've made our Dana 300 service kits and our all-inclusive master rebuild kits available for this purpose.
Engine Compatabilities
AMC Jeep engines are compatible with the GM SM465 transmission. See Adapting GM Transmissions to AMC Bellhousings.
AMC (258, 4.0, etc.) engines may be left in the factory location in virtually all SM420 installations.
An SM465 installation is often done in conjunction with an engine conversion into the Jeep. These engines include the Chevrolet Small Block V6 & V8, from 1955-2006 or the Gen. III+ V8 and some other GM motors. Carbureted, TBI and TPI engines are all compatible with this transmission.
In any scenario, it is often preferable that the engine be installed (as the Jeep engines usually are) with an offset of 1" to 1-1/2" to the driver's side. Other engine mounts on the market - especially the bolt-in versions - do not take this into account and make other placement decisions for the installer that do not take the full powertrain into account. Novak offers what we have found to be the most intelligent engine mounting system for Jeeps available, allowing the installer to make an easy and satisfying decision as to powertrain placement with the SM-465 and the Dana 300 both considered.
AMC engines may be left in the factory location in virtually all 465 installations.
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| Novak's MM Series engine mounts, featuring excellent vibration dampening, superior strength and impressive adjustability - adjustable even after the engine is installed. The design and strength and affordability of our mounts are second to none. |
Engine Crank to Transmission Pilot Bushing
This transmission can be married to stock (i.e., AMC I6) as well as conversion (i.e., GM V6 / V8) engines, and a custom pilot bushing will be required in many instances. Some common choices with the SM465 transmission are listed below:
>Bushing, pilot, AMC cranks to the SM465 >Bushing, pilot, GM Gen. I-III (1955-2000) cranks to SM465 >Bushing, pilot, AMC cranks to the SM465 For pilot bushings not listed, see our full collection. |
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| Dana 300 with twin sticks |
Transfer Case Shifter
This transmission conversion will allow for the retention of the factory Dana 300 single shifter, though it will require a minor SM465 case modification and Dana 300 shifter mount modification for clearance. You also have the option of upgrading to a twin-stick shifter assembly.
Transmission Shifter
Use of the OEM style transmission shifter for the SM465 is easily done. The installer may opt to bend the stick to fit the particular Jeep application.
We can supply a new, straight stick that replaces the factory unit. This stick can be custom bent to the driver's preference and will sometimes restore a more solid feeling to the shifting of a 465.
Clocking Information & Driveshaft Clearance
Our adapter is drilled for multiple clocking locations from near-factory (20 degrees down) to near-flat (3 degrees down). We feel it is optimal to install in the provided position between these, but all three options are available. The flatter rotation option may require more Dana 300 shifter modifications. The middle location provided for the SM465 is likely optimal.
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| A turn-key SM465, professionally built, adapted and delivered to your door - ready for a variety of engines and Jeep transfer cases. Read more... |
Driveshafts
Driveshaft length changes are not often required, as this gearbox combination is the same length as some factory Jeep combinations like the SR4, T4 & T5. Some GM engine installations sit further ahead in the bay and will allow for a longer-than-factory rear driveshaft and better driveshaft angles.
Some of our customers, fearful at the perceived expense of new or modified driveshafts, attempt to let the existing driveshafts dictate engine, transmission and transfer case location, sometimes to the detriment of the project. Driveshaft modifications are usually inexpensive when performed by driveline, RV or tractor implement specialists. New driveshafts are an option but seldom a requirement in regards to the actual successful conversion. Jeeps that require extensive travel or specialty-built driveshafts have this option available through several fabricators across the nation.
Axles
Use of factory axles is completely acceptable with this conversion. Axle upgrades are not necessary, but they may be chosen for reasons external to this transmission upgrade.