Specifications

P/N 50-8604
70
1980-86 jeeps - dana 300 transfer case
1980-86 JEEPS
(Dana 300):
In 1980, the Jeep Universal changed to the Dana 300 transfer case. This was a great improvement over the Dana 20, and it seems
to handle V8 horsepower without any problems. We manufacture several adapters that will bolt different transmissions to this stock
transfer case. These adapters are manufactured to fit a 23 spline input sleeve in Dana 300 transfer cases. These adapters should
be used when replacing the SR4, T4, T5, T176, and Torqueflite transmissions.
All Jeep Dana 300s are a right-hand drop. They have a circular bolt pattern, 23 tooth input spline, and main case material of cast
iron. The length of the Dana 300 is 12”. The transfer case uses an aluminum
retainer that indexes this transfer case to the transmission. The stock low gear
ratio is 2.62:1. The power to the rear axle is in line with the transmission.
This is a good gear-driven transfer case to retain when doing an engine
or transmission swap.
Jeep Dana 300s all use a 23 spline input. Some of the adapters we
manufacture include a new Dana 300 input with a different input spline
and other adapters retain the stock input. The various Dana 300 input
shafts we manufacture include a 10 spline, a stock 23 replacement, a
long 23 spline which is .750” longer spline engagement than stock, a 27
spline, a 21, 29, 31, 32, and 35 spline. Therefore, if you obtained a Dana 300
from a salvage yard, please verify the input spline.
Dana 300 input shaft:
P/N 52-0203 - Dana 300 35 spline input shaft
P/N 52-0208 - Dana 300 32 spline input shaft
P/N 52-0229 - Dana 300 29 spline input shaft
P/N 52-2910 - Dana 300 31 spline input shaft
P/N 52-3001 - Dana 300 23 spline input shaft
P/N 52-3002 - Dana 300 long 23 spline input shaft
P/N 52-3021 - Dana 300 21 spline input shaft
P/N 52-6309 - Dana 300 27 spline input shaft
P/N 52-9810 - Dana 300 10 spline input shaft
The aluminum index retainer incorporates a front seal to protect the transfer
case fluid from entering the transmission. The transmission adapter hous-
ing normally has a seal that is installed with the open side towards the
transmission. This seal can be omitted on transfer case adapter installations,
provided a gasket or silicone seal is used in between the adapter and the
transfer case. The original Jeep adapters have a small weep hole that is located
between the two seals. This weep hole is an indicator that one of the seals has
gone bad and needs replacing. We do not use this concept on the transfer case
adapters that we manufacture.
The Jeep Dana 300 has a stock rotation of approximately 35 degrees. All of the adapters we manufacture for this transfer case have
the provisions for this rotation. Most of the adapters have two sets of six
adapter-to-transfer case mounting holes. The illustration (left) shows the
correct holes to maintain this degree of rotation. The second rotation
option is used for New Process transfer cases.
With ground clearance being an issue or concern with some
vehicles, we also offer a Dana 300 rotation kit that allows the
transfer case to be clocked up higher to provide additional
ground clearance. The rotation kit will require transfer case
shifter handle modifications and possible floorboard modi-
fications. This kit comes with a new 23 spline input shaft and
adapter plate to maintain proper indexing, P/N 50-8604. Using
this indexing plate with one of our adapters that uses a different
spline count than the 23 spline will cause a loss of some spline
engagement and may not be recommended.